Parasiticidal oral veterinary compositions comprising systemically-acting active agents, methods and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to veterinary compositions for treating and/or preventing fleas or ticks infection or infestation in an animal comprising an isoxazoline active agent of Formula (II): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of, and claims benefit of, co-pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/754,969, filed Jan. 31, 2013, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/595,463,filed Feb. 6, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides oral veterinary compositions comprisingat least one systemically-acting active agent for controllingectoparasites and/or endoparasites in animals; the use of thesecompositions to control ectoparasites and/or endoparasites, and methodsfor preventing or treating parasitic infections and infestations inanimals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Animals including mammals and birds are often susceptible to parasiteinfestations/infections. These parasites may be ectoparasites orendoparasites. Domesticated animals, such as cats and dogs, are ofteninfested with one or more of the following ectoparasites:

-   -   fleas (e.g. Ctenocephalides spp., such as Ctenocephalides felis        and the like);    -   ticks (e.g. Rhipicephalus spp., Ixodes spp., Dermacentor spp.,        Amblyoma spp., Haemaphysalis spp., and the like);    -   mites (e.g. Demodex spp., Sarcoptes spp., Otodectes spp.,        Cheyletiella spp., and the like);    -   lice (e.g. Trichodectes spp., Felicola spp., Linognathus spp.,        and the like);    -   mosquitoes (Aedes spp., Culex spp., Anopheles spp. and the        like); and    -   flies (Musca spp., Stomoxys spp., Dermatobia spp., and the        like).

Fleas are a problem because not only do they adversely affect the healthof the animal or human, but they also cause a great deal ofpsychological stress. Moreover, fleas may also transmit pathogenicagents to animals and humans, such as tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum).

Similarly, ticks are also harmful to the physical and/or psychologicalhealth of the animal or human. However, the most serious problemassociated with ticks is that they are vectors of pathogenic agentsaffecting both humans and animals. Major diseases which may betransmitted by ticks include borreliosis (Lyme disease caused byBorrelia burgdorferi), babesiosis (or piroplasmosis caused by Babesiaspp.) and rickettsioses (e.g. Rocky Mountain spotted fever). Ticks alsorelease toxins which cause inflammation or paralysis in the host.Occasionally, these toxins may be fatal to the host.

Animals and humans also suffer from endoparasitic infections caused byparasitic worms categorized as cestodes (tapeworms), nematodes(roundworms) and trematodes (flatworms or flukes). These parasites causea variety of pathologic conditions in domestic animals including dogs,cats, pigs, sheep, horses, cattle and poultry. Nematode parasites whichoccur in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans include thoseof the genera Ancylostoma, Necator, Ascaris, Strongyloides, Trichinella,Capillaria, Toxocara, Toxascaris, Trichuris, Enterobius, Haemonchus,Trichostrongylus, Ostertagia, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum,Strongylus, Cyathostomum, and Parascaris among others, and those thatare found in the blood vessels or other tissues and organs includeOnchocerca, Dirofilaria, Wuchereria and the extra intestinal stages ofStrongyloides, Toxocara and Trichinella. Therapeutic agents areadministered to animals by a variety of routes.

These routes include, for example, oral ingestion, topical applicationor parenteral administration. The particular route selected by thepractitioner depends upon factors such as the physicochemical propertiesof the pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent, the condition of the hostand economics. In certain cases, it is convenient and efficient toadminister veterinary medicines orally by placing the therapeutic agentin a solid or liquid matrix that is suitable for oral delivery. Thesemethods include chewable drug-delivery formulations. The problemassociated with administering oral formulations to animals is that thetherapeutic agent often provides an unpleasant taste, aroma, or texture,which causes the animals to reject the composition. This is furtherexacerbated by compositions that are hard and difficult to swallow.

Oral veterinary compositions in the form of soft chewable compositions(“soft chews”), or chewable tablets that are palatable are usuallyconvenient to administer to certain animals, particularly cats and dogs,and may be used effectively to dose veterinary medicine to theseanimals. However, many oral compositions comprising active agents with abitter or unpleasant taste are not well accepted by cats and dogs.Furthermore, when the bioavailability of an active agent from an oraldosage form is not sufficient or is variable, the required exposure ofthe animal to the active ingredient may not be sufficient to provide thedesired efficacy. Problems such as these often lead to low orsub-optimal efficacy and control of parasites.

Chewable dosage forms for drug delivery are well known to pharmaceuticaltechnology. It is known in the pharmaceutical industry that the act ofchewing increases the surface area of the available active ingredientand may increase the rate of absorption by the digestive tract. Chewablesystems are also advantageous where it is desirable to make an activeingredient available topically to the mouth or throat areas for bothlocal effects and/or systemic absorption. Further, chewable dosage formsare also utilized to ease drug administration in pediatric and geriatricpatients. Examples of chewable dosage forms may be found in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,387,381; 4,284,652; 4,327,076; 4,935,243; 6,270,790; 6,060,078;4,609,543; and, 5,753,255, all incorporated herein by reference.

Palatability and “mouth feel” are important characteristics to beconsidered in providing a dosage form, or matrix, for an activepharmaceutical or medicinal. Unfortunately, many pharmaceuticals andother active ingredients have a bitter or otherwise unpalatable taste,or an unacceptable mouth feel, due to the grittiness or chalkiness ofthe compound, or both. These characteristics make it difficult toincorporate such active ingredients into the current state of the artfor chewable dosage forms because the objectionable taste and/or mouthfeel make it less likely to obtain compliance by the user. Oralveterinary dosage forms that are not palatable to the animal treatedresult in low acceptance of the medicament by the animal and a low levelof compliance. Thus, there is a need for improved oral veterinary dosageforms that are palatable and well accepted by the treated animal.

Another challenge with oral veterinary compositions, particularly softchewable compositions, is that the release and dissolution of the activeagent from the composition after it is ingested by the animal can bevariable and incomplete. This leads to variability in the amount of thedrug that is absorbed from the digestive tract of the animal.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,955,632 (incorporated herein by reference) describespalatable, edible soft chewable medication vehicles for the delivery ofpharmaceutically acceptable active ingredients to an animal andprocesses of making the same.

US 2004/0037869 A1 and WO 2004/016252 to Cleverly et al. (incorporatedherein by reference) describe non-animal product containing veterinaryformulations, including chewable veterinary formulations and tablets,that contain at least one pharmaceutical active agent and do not containanimal products.

US 2004/0151759 A1 and WO 2005/062782 to Cleverly et al. (incorporatedherein by reference) describe non-animal product containing veterinaryformulations comprising a) at least one nodulisporamide or anodulisporic acid derivative; or b) a combination comprising i) at leastone avermectin or milbemycin derivative; and ii) at least one ofpraziquantel or pyrantel.

WO 2009/02451A2 and US 2011/0059988 to Heckeroth et al. describe variousparasiticidal compositions comprising isoxazoline active agents for thecontrol of parasites on animals. The compositions include compositionsfor oral administration.

Traditionally, in veterinary formulations, palatability had beenachieved by the inclusion of animal byproducts or flavors derived fromanimal sources into the formulation. For example, it is customary toinclude excipients, such as chicken powder, liver powder, beef, ham,fish, or rawhide-derived products in dog chews to make the chewattractive and palatable to the dog. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,940;U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,441; U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,516; U.S. Pat. No.6,110,521; U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,565; U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,427, all toAxelrod et at. (all incorporated herein by reference).

Notwithstanding the compositions comprising parasiticidal active agentsdescribed in the documents above, there is a need for palatable oralveterinary compositions that are well accepted by the animals treatedand methods with improved duration of efficacy, bioavailability, andspectrum of coverage to protect animals against endoparasites and/orectoparasites. Optimal compositions should be palatable and wellaccepted by the animals, provide good oral bioavailability, beefficacious against external and/or internal parasites, have a quickonset of activity, have a long duration of activity, and be safe to theanimal recipients and/or their human owners. This invention addressesthis need.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Any foregoing applications, and all documents cited therein or duringtheir prosecution (“application cited documents”) and all documentscited or referenced in the application cited documents, and alldocuments cited or referenced herein (“herein cited documents”), and alldocuments cited or referenced in herein cited documents, together withany manufacturer's instructions, descriptions, product specifications,and product sheets for any products mentioned herein or in any documentincorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated herein byreference, and may be employed in the practice of the invention.

Citation or identification of any document in this application is not anadmission that such document is available as prior art to the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to soft chewable veterinarycompositions comprising at least one systemically-acting parasiticidalactive agent and their use to control external and/or internal parasitesin or on warm-blooded animals and birds. In accordance with thisinvention, it has been discovered that these oral compositionssurprisingly provide exceptionally high bioavailability of the activeagent resulting in plasma levels sufficient to provide excellentprotection against parasites for an extended period of time, unmatchedby known oral veterinary compositions. The oral compositions of theinvention are exceptionally palatable and provide desirable safetyprofiles for warm-blooded animals and birds, while providing excellentprotection against parasites. In addition, it has been discovered that asingle administration of the inventive compositions generally providespotent activity against one or more ectoparasites and/or endoparasiteswith a fast onset of activity and at the same time providing a longduration of efficacy.

In certain embodiments, the veterinary compositions of the invention areadvantageously in the form of soft chewable formulations that arepalatable for animals, including cats and dogs. In another embodiment,the oral veterinary compositions of the invention are in the form of achewable tablet.

The invention encompasses uses of the soft chewable veterinarycompositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of parasiticinfections and infestations of animals (either wild or domesticated),including livestock and companion animals with the aim of ridding thesehosts of parasites commonly encountered by such animals. Animals thatmay benefit from the inventive oral compositions include, but are notlimited to, cats, dogs, horses, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, turkeysand cattle, among others.

The invention also provides methods for the treatment and/or preventionof parasitic infections and infestations in animals, comprisingadministering an effective amount of a composition of the inventioncomprising at least one systemically-acting parasiticide to the animal.Surprisingly, it has been found that the inventive compositions andformulations described herein exhibit superior broad spectrum efficacyagainst harmful ectoparasites and/or endoparasites more rapidly, andover a longer duration compared to oral veterinary compositions known inthe art.

In one embodiment, the invention provides soft chewable veterinarycompositions comprising effective amounts of a) (i) at least oneisoxazoline active agent; or

-   -   (ii) at least one systemically-acting active agent that is        active against internal parasites, wherein the        systemically-acting active agent that is active against internal        parasites is one or more macrocyclic lactones, one or more        benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel,        closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrile active        agents or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active        agents, or a combination of thereof; or    -   (iii) a combination of at least one isoxazoline active agent of        formula (I) and at least one additional systemically-acting        active agent, wherein the systemically active agent is one or        more macrocyclic lactones, one or more spinosyn compounds, one        or more spinosoid compounds, one or more benzimidazoles,        levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel,        clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrile active agents, one or        more arylpyrazoles, one or more insect growth regulators, one or        more neonicotinoids or one or more aryloazol-2-yl        cyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof;        and b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In one embodiment, the isoxazoline active agent has the formula (I)below where variables A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, B¹, B², B³, R¹, R², R⁵, Wand n are defined herein:

In another embodiment, the compositions of the invention comprise anisoxazoline compound of formula (II), (III) or (IV) described herein.

In one embodiment, the invention provides soft chewable compositionscomprising an isoxazoline active agent of formula (I) wherein W is O, R¹is CF₃, B² is CH, B¹ is C—Cl, B³ is C—CF₃, each of A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵and A⁶ is CH; R⁴ is H and R⁵ is —CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃. In some embodiments,the soft chewable veterinary compositions and methods comprise4-[5-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4,5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-N-[2-oxo-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)amino]ethyl]-1-naphthalenecarboxamide(Compound A) as the isoxazoline active agent.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the compositions comprisean isoxazoline Compound B or Compound 1.001-1.025 or Compound2.001-2.018 described below.

In another embodiment, the compositions of the invention may include atleast one isoxazoline active agent in combination with one or moreadditional active agents. In one embodiment, the composition maycomprise at least one isoxazoline active agent in combination with atleast one macrocyclic lactone active agent, including, but not limitedto, an avermectin or milbemycin compound. In some embodiments, theavermectin or milbemycin active agent is eprinomectin, ivermectin,selamectin, abamectin, emamectin, latidectin, lepimectin, milbemectin,milbemycin D, milbemycin oxime, or moxidectin, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of the inventioncomprise one or more fillers, one or more flavoring agents, one or morebinders, one or more solvents, one or more surfactants, one or morehumectants and optionally an antioxidant or a preservative.

It is an object of the invention to not encompass within the inventionany previously known product, process of making the product, or methodof using the product such that the Applicants reserve the right andhereby disclose a disclaimer of any previously known product, process,or method. It is further noted that the invention does not intend toencompass within the scope of the invention any product, process, ormaking of the product or method of using the product, which does notmeet the written description and enablement requirements of the USPTO(35 U.S.C. §112, first paragraph) or the EPO (Article 83 of the EPC),such that Applicants reserve the right and hereby disclose a disclaimerof any previously described product, process of making the product, ormethod of using the product.

These and other embodiments are disclosed or are obvious from andencompassed by, the following Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, given by way of example, but notintended to limit the invention solely to the specific embodimentsdescribed, may best be understood in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plot showing the average dissolution of 2 gram size softchewable compositions of the invention containing about 2.3% (w/w) ofCompound A which have been stored at 250 and 60% relative humidity (RH).

FIG. 2 is a plot showing the average dissolution of 2 gram size softchewable compositions of the invention containing about 2.3% (w/w) ofCompound A which have been stored at 400 and 75% relative humidity (RH).

FIG. 3 is a plot showing the average dissolution of 4 gram size softchewable compositions of the invention containing about 2.3% (w/w) ofCompound A which have been stored at 250 and 60% relative humidity (RH).

FIG. 4 is a plot showing the average dissolution of 4 gram size softchewable compositions of the invention containing about 2.3% (w/w) ofCompound A which have been stored at 400 and 75% relative humidity (RH).

FIG. 5 shows the plasma concentration of Compound A in dogs over timeafter administration of soft chewable compositions at doses of 20 mg/kgand 40 mg/kg compared with administration of Compound A in apolyethyleneglycol/alcohol based solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides novel and inventive oral veterinarycompositions comprising at least one systemically-acting parasiticidetogether with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In one embodiment of the invention, the veterinary compositions are inthe form of a soft chewable composition. In another embodiment of theinvention, the oral veterinary compositions are in the form of achewable tablet. Each of the compositions of the invention is palatableto the animal and provides for easy administration of the composition tothe animal. These compositions provide surprisingly effective protectionof the animals against parasites for an extended period of time, whilealso providing a fast onset of action. The compositions of the inventionhave been surprisingly found to have an exceptionally highbioavailability with rapid absorption of the active into the bloodstream of the animal. The exceptional bioavailability of thecompositions is the result of the combination of the non-activecomponents of the compositions together with the properties of theactive agent. In one embodiment of the invention, the exceptionally highbioavailability of an isoxazoline active ingredient from the oralveterinary compositions along with the intrinsic half-life of the activeagent in the body and its potency provide for unparalleled long lastingefficacy against ectoparasites from an oral dosage form. This effect isquite surprising and unexpected.

Also provided are methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis ofparasitic infections and infestations of animals, comprisingadministering an effective amount of an oral veterinary composition ofthe invention to the animal. The invention also provides uses of theinventive compositions in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of parasiticinfections and/infestations and in the manufacture of a medicament forthe treatment and/or prophylaxis of parasitic infections and/orinfestations in animals.

The oral veterinary compositions of the invention include, but are notlimited to, soft chewable and chewable tablet compositions. Theinvention includes at least the following features:

(a) palatable oral veterinary compositions, including soft chewable andchewable tablet compositions, that provide superior efficacy againstparasites comprising an effective amount of at least one isoxazolineactive agent together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier ordiluent;

(b) palatable oral veterinary compositions comprising an effectiveamount at least one isoxazoline active agent formula (I), formula (II),formula (III) or formula (IV) that provide surprisingly high plasmaconcentrations and bioavailability of the isoxazoline active agent;

(c) palatable oral veterinary compositions that exhibit superiorfast-acting efficacy that comprise an effective amount of at least oneisoxazoline compound of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III) orformula (IV) described herein together with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or diluent;

(d) palatable oral veterinary compositions that exhibit superior fastacting and long lasting efficacy that comprise an effective amount of atleast one isoxazoline Compound A, Compound B, Compound 1.001-1.025 orCompound 2.001-2.018 described herein together with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or diluent;

(e) palatable oral veterinary compositions comprising an effectiveamount of at least one isoxazoline active agent in combination with oneor more macrocyclic lactones, one or more spinosyn compounds, one ormore spinosoid compounds, a benzimidazole, levamisole, pyrantel,morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more aminoacetonitrile active agent, one or more insect growth regulators, one ormore neonicotinoids, one or more arylpyrazoles, or one or morearyloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination ofthereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier ordiluent;

(f) palatable oral veterinary compositions that exhibit superior fastacting and long lasting efficacy that comprise an effective amount of atleast one isoxazoline Compound A, Compound B, Compound 1.001-1.025 orCompound 2.001-2.018 described herein in combination with one or moremacrocyclic lactone active agent, together with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or diluent;

(g) palatable oral veterinary compositions, including soft chewable andchewable tablet compositions, comprising an effective amount of at leastone systemically-active parasiticide that is active against internalparasites together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier ordiluent.

(h) palatable oral veterinary compositions, including soft chewable andchewable tablet compositions, comprising an effective amount of at leastone systemically-active parasiticide active agent that is active againstinternal parasites selected from the group consisting of one or moremacrocyclic lactones, a benzimidazole, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agent, and one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino activeagents, or a combination of thereof;

(i) a chewable oral composition comprising an isoxazoline active agentof formulae (I), (II), (III) or formula (IV) for use in the treatment orprophylaxis of a parasitic infection or infestation in an animal;

(j) a chewable oral composition comprising an effective amount of atleast one systemically-acting active agent that is active againstinternal parasites selected from the group consisting of one or moremacrocyclic lactones, one or more benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel,morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more aminoacetonitrile active agents and one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof, for use inthe treatment or prophylaxis of a parasitic infection or infestation inan animal;

(k) methods for the treatment and/or prevention of parasitic infectionsand infestations in an animal comprising administering an effectiveamount of an oral veterinary composition of the invention comprising atleast one isoxazoline compound together with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or diluent;

(l) methods for the treatment and/or prevention of parasitic infectionsand infestations in an animal comprising administering an effectiveamount of an oral veterinary composition of the invention comprising atleast one isoxazoline of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III) orformula (IV), alone or in combination with one or more macrocycliclactones, one or more spinosyn compounds, one or more spinosoidcompounds, a benzimidazole, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agent, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoids, one or more arylpyrazoles, or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof, togetherwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent;

(m) methods for the treatment and/or prevention of parasitic infectionsand infestations in an animal comprising administering to an animal aneffective amount of an oral veterinary composition of the inventioncomprising at least one isoxazoline Compound A, Compound B, Compound1.001-1.025 or Compound 2.001-2.018 described herein in combination withone or more macrocyclic lactone active agents, together with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent;

(n) methods for the treatment and/or prevention of parasitic infectionsand infestations in an animal comprising administering an effectiveamount of an oral veterinary composition of the invention comprising atleast one isoxazoline Compound A, Compound B, Compound 1.001-1.025 orCompound 2.001-2.018, alone or in combination with one or moremacrocyclic lactones, one or more spinosyn compounds, one or morespinosoid compounds, a benzimidazole, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agent, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoids, one or more arylpyrazoles, or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof, togetherwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent;

(o) methods for the treatment and/or prevention of endoparasiticinfections in an animal comprising administering an effective amount ofan oral veterinary compositions, including soft chewable and chewabletablet compositions, comprising an effective amount of at least onesystemically-active parasiticide active agent that is active againstinternal parasites selected from the group consisting of one or moremacrocyclic lactones, one or more benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel,morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more aminoacetonitrile active agent and one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylaminoactive agents, or a combination of thereof;

(p) use of oral veterinary compositions of the invention comprising atleast one isoxazoline compound of formula (I), formula (II), formula(III) or formula (IV), alone or in combination with one or moremacrocyclic lactones, one or more spinosyn compounds, one or morespinosoid compounds, a benzimidazole, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agent, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoids, one or more arylpyrazoles, or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof, togetherwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent in the preventionor treatment of animal parasites;

(q) use of the oral veterinary compositions of the invention comprisingat least one of Compound A, Compound B, Compound 1.001 to 1.025 orCompound 2.001 to 2.018, alone or in combination with one or moremacrocyclic lactones, one or more spinosyn compounds, one or morespinosoid compounds, a benzimidazole, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agent, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoids, one or more arylpyrazoles, or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof, togetherwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent in the treatmentand/or prevention of a parasitic infestation and infections in ananimal;

(r) the use of an isoxazoline active agent of formulae (I), (II), (III)or (IV) in the preparation of a chewable oral veterinary composition forthe treatment of a parasitic infection or infestation in an animal;

(s) use of the oral veterinary compositions of the invention comprisingat least one systemically-acting active agent that is active againstinternal parasites selected from the group consisting of one or moremacrocyclic lactones, one or more benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel,morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more aminoacetonitrile active agent, and one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof, togetherwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent in the treatmentand/or prevention of a parasitic infection in an animal; or acombination thereof; and

(t) the use of at least one systemically-active parasiticide activeagent that is active against internal parasites selected from the groupconsisting of one or more macrocyclic lactones, one or morebenzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel,clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrile active agents, and one or morearyloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination ofthereof, in the in the preparation of a chewable oral veterinarycomposition for the treatment of a parasitic infection or infestation inan animal.

In this disclosure and in the claims, terms such as “comprises,”“comprising,” “containing” and “having” and the like can have themeaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law and can mean “includes,”“including,” and the like; “consisting essentially of” or “consistsessentially” likewise has the meaning ascribed in U.S. patent law andthe term is open-ended, allowing for the presence of more than thatwhich is recited so long as basic or novel characteristics of that whichis recited is not changed by the presence of more than that which isrecited, but excludes prior art embodiments.

DEFINITIONS

Terms used herein will have their customary meaning in the art unlessspecified otherwise. The organic moieties mentioned in the definitionsof the variables of formula (I) are—like the term halogen—collectiveterms for individual listings of the individual group members. Theprefix C_(n)-C_(m) indicates in each case the possible number of carbonatoms in the group.

The term “animal” is used herein to include all mammals, birds and fishand also include all vertebrate animals. Animals include, but are notlimited to, cats, dogs, cattle, chickens, turkeys, deer, goats, horses,llamas, pigs, sheep, yaks, rodents and birds. It also includes anindividual animal in all stages of development, including embryonic andfetal stages. In some embodiments, the animal will be a non-humananimal.

The expression “effective amount” as used herein means a concentrationof the active agent in the composition sufficient to elicit the desiredbiological response to the target parasite(s) after administration ofthe composition to the animal, as measured by methods known in the artand/or described in the examples herein. In some embodiments, an“effective amount” of the active agent in the composition will providean efficacy of at least 70% against the target parasite compared to anuntreated control. In other embodiments, “an effective amount” of theactive agent will provide an efficacy of at least 80%, or at least 85%compared to untreated controls. More typically, “an effective amount” ofthe active agent will provide an efficacy of at least 90%, at least 93%,at least 95% or at least 97% against the target parasite. In certainembodiments, including the prevention of Dirofilaria immitis, the term“effective amount” may provide efficacy as high as 100%.

As used herein, the terms “systemically-acting” or “systemically active”will be understood to mean that the active compounds are active whenadministered orally and may be distributed through the plasma and/ortissues of the animal treated and act on the parasite when a blood mealis taken or when the parasite comes in contact with the active agent.

As used herein, the term “amylaceous ingredients” is meant thosefood-stuffs containing a preponderance of starch and/or starch-likematerial. Examples of amylaceous ingredients are cereal grains and mealsor flours obtained upon grinding cereal grains such as corn, oats,wheat, milo, barley, rice, and the various milling by-products of thesecereal grains such as wheat feed flour, wheat middlings, mixed feed,wheat shorts, wheat red dog, oat groats, hominy feed, and other suchmaterial. Also included as sources of amylaceous ingredients are thetuberous food stuffs such as potatoes, tapioca, and the like.

As used herein the term “palatable” means an oral veterinary compositionthat is readily accepted by dogs without any coaxing or with limitedcoaxing. Palatable compositions are compositions that are consumed by atleast 75% of dogs without manual administration of the composition.

The term “alkyl” refers to saturated straight, branched, cyclic,primary, secondary or tertiary hydrocarbons, including those having 1 to20 atoms. In some embodiments, alkyl groups will include C₁-C₁₂, C₁-C₁₀,C₁-C₈, C₁-C₆ or C₁-C₄ alkyl groups. Examples of C₁-C₁₀ alkyl include,but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl,1-methylpropyl, 2-methylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl, pentyl,1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl,1-ethylpropyl, hexyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl,1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl,1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl,2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1-ethylbutyl,2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl,1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, heptyl, octyl,2-ethylhexyl, nonyl and decyl and their isomers. C₁-C₄-alkyl means forexample methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl, 1-methylpropyl,2-methylpropyl or 1,1-dimethylethyl.

Cyclic alkyl groups or “cycloalkyl”, which are encompassed by alkylinclude those with 3 to 10 carbon atoms having single or multiplecondensed rings. In some embodiments, cycloalkyl groups include C₄-C₇ orC₃-C₄ cyclic alkyl groups. Non-limiting examples of cycloalkyl groupsinclude adamantyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl and the like.

The alkyl groups described herein can be unsubstituted or substitutedwith one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl,halo, haloalkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, acyl, acyloxy, amino, alkyl- ordialkylamino, amido, arylamino, alkoxy, aryloxy, nitro, cyano, azido,thiol, imino, sulfonic acid, sulfate, sulfonyl, sulfanyl, sulfinyl,sulfamonyl, ester, phosphonyl, phosphinyl, phosphoryl, phosphine,thioester, thioether, acid halide, anhydride, oxime, hydrazine,carbamate, phosphonic acid, phosphate, phosphonate, or any other viablefunctional group that does not inhibit the biological activity of thecompounds of the invention, either unprotected, or protected asnecessary, as known to those skilled in the art, for example, as taughtin Greene, et al., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wileyand Sons, Third Edition, 1999, hereby incorporated by reference.

Terms including the term “alkyl” such as “alkylcycloalkyl,”“cycloalkylalkyl,” “alkylamino,” or “dialkylamino” will be understood tocomprise an alkyl group as defined above linked to the other functionalgroup, where the group is linked to the compound through the last grouplisted, as understood by those of skill in the art.

The term “alkenyl” refers to both straight and branched carbon chainswhich have at least one carbon-carbon double bond. In some embodiments,alkenyl groups may include C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl groups. In other embodiments,alkenyl includes C₂-C₁₂, C₂-C₁₀, C₂-C₈, C₂-C₆ or C₂-C₄ alkenyl groups.In one embodiment of alkenyl, the number of double bonds is 1-3, inanother embodiment of alkenyl, the number of double bonds is one or two.Other ranges of carbon-carbon double bonds and carbon numbers are alsocontemplated depending on the location of the alkenyl moiety on themolecule. “C₂-C₁₀-alkenyl” groups may include more than one double bondin the chain. Examples include, but are not limited to, ethenyl,1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-methyl-ethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl,3-butenyl, 1-methyl-1-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl,1-methyl-2-propenyl, 2-methyl-2-propenyl; 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl,3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-1-butenyl,3-methyl-1-butenyl, 1-methyl-2-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl,3-methyl-2-butenyl, 1-methyl-3-butenyl, 2-methyl-3-butenyl,3-methyl-3-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-1-propenyl,1,2-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-propenyl,1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl,1-methyl-1-pentenyl, 2-methyl-1-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-pentenyl,4-methyl-1-pentenyl, 1-methyl-2-pentenyl, 2-methyl-2-pentenyl,3-methyl-2-pentenyl, 4-methyl-2-pentenyl, 1-methyl-3-pentenyl,2-methyl-3-pentenyl, 3-methyl-3-pentenyl, 4-methyl-3-pentenyl,1-methyl-4-pentenyl, 2-methyl-4-pentenyl, 3-methyl-4-pentenyl,4-methyl-4-pentenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl,1,2-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl,1,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl,2,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl,2,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl,1-ethyl-1-butenyl, 1-ethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-3-butenyl,2-ethyl-1-butenyl, 2-ethyl-2-butenyl, 2-ethyl-3-butenyl,1,1,2-trimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-propenyl,1-ethyl-2-methyl-1-propenyl and 1-ethyl-2-methyl-2-propenyl.

“Alkynyl” refers to both straight and branched carbon chains which haveat least one carbon-carbon triple bond. In one embodiment of alkynyl,the number of triple bonds is 1-3; in another embodiment of alkynyl, thenumber of triple bonds is one or two. In some embodiments, alkynylgroups include from C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl groups. In other embodiments, alkynylgroups may include C₂-C₁₂, C₂-C₁₀, C₂-C₈, C₂-C₆ or C₂-C₄ alkynyl groups.Other ranges of carbon-carbon triple bonds and carbon numbers are alsocontemplated depending on the location of the alkenyl moiety on themolecule. For example, the term “C₂-C₁₀-alkynyl” as used herein refersto a straight-chain or branched unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 2to 10 carbon atoms and containing at least one triple bond, such asethynyl, prop-1-yn-1-yl, prop-2-yn-1-yl, n-but-1-yn-1-yl,n-but-1-yn-3-yl, n-but-1-yn-4-yl, n-but-2-yn-1-yl, n-pent-1-yn-1-yl,n-pent-1-yn-3-yl, n-pent-1-yn-4-yl, n-pent-1-yn-5-yl, n-pent-2-yn-1-yl,n-pent-2-yn-4-yl, n-pent-2-yn-5-yl, 3-methylbut-1-yn-3-yl,3-methylbut-1-yn-4-yl, n-hex-1-yn-1-yl, n-hex-1-yn-3-yl,n-hex-1-yn-4-yl, n-hex-1-yn-5-yl, n-hex-1-yn-6-yl, n-hex-2-yn-1-yl,n-hex-2-yn-4-yl, n-hex-2-yn-5-yl, n-hex-2-yn-6-yl, n-hex-3-yn-1-yl,n-hex-3-yn-2-yl, 3-methylpent-1-yn-1-yl, 3-methylpent-1-yn-3-yl,3-methylpent-1-yn-4-yl, 3-methylpent-1-yn-5-yl, 4-methylpent-1-yn-1-yl,4-methylpent-2-yn-4-yl or 4-methylpent-2-yn-5-yl and the like.

The term “haloalkyl” refers to an alkyl group, as defined herein, whichis substituted by one or more halogen atoms. For example C₁-C₄-haloalkylincludes, but is not limited to, chloromethyl, bromomethyl,dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,trifluoromethyl, chlorofluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl,chlorodifluoromethyl, 1-chloroethyl, 1-bromoethyl, 1-fluoroethyl,2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl,2-chloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl,2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, pentafluoroethyl andthe like.

The term “haloalkenyl” refers to an alkenyl group, as defined herein,which is substituted by one or more halogen atoms.

The term “haloalkynyl” refers to an alkynyl group, as defined herein,which is substituted by one or more halogen atoms.

“Alkoxy” refers to alkyl-O—, wherein alkyl is as defined above.Similarly, the terms “alkenyloxy,” “alkynyloxy,” “haloalkoxy,”“haloalkenyloxy,” “haloalkynyloxy,” “cycloalkoxy,” “cycloalkenyloxy,”“halocycloalkoxy,” and “halocycloalkenyloxy” refer to the groupsalkenyl-O—, alkynyl-O—, haloalkyl-O—, haloalkenyl-O—, haloalkynyl-O—,cycloalkyl-O—, cycloalkenyl-O—, halocycloalkyl-O—, andhalocycloalkenyl-O—, respectively, wherein alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl,haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, halocycloalkyl, andhalocycloalkenyl are as defined above. Examples of C₁-C₆-alkoxy include,but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, C₂H₅—CH₂O—, (CH₃)₂CHO—,n-butoxy, C₂H₅—CH(CH₃)O—, (CH₃)₂CH—CH₂O—, (CH₃)₃CO—, n-pentoxy,1-methylbutoxy, 2-methylbutoxy, 3-methylbutoxy, 1,1-dimethylpropoxy,1,2-dimethylpropoxy, 2,2-dimethyl-propoxy, 1-ethylpropoxy, n-hexoxy,1-methylpentoxy, 2-methylpentoxy, 3-methylpentoxy, 4-methylpentoxy,1,1-dimethylbutoxy, 1,2-dimethylbutoxy, 1,3-dimethylbutoxy,2,2-dimethylbutoxy, 2,3-dimethylbutoxy, 3,3-dimethylbutoxy,1-ethylbutoxy, 2-ethylbutoxy, 1,1,2-trimethylpropoxy,1,2,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropoxy, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropoxyand the like.

The term “alkylthio” refers to alkyl-S—, wherein alkyl is as definedabove. Similarly, the terms “haloalkylthio,” “cycloalkylthio,” and thelike, refer to haloalkyl-S— and cycloalkyl-S— where haloalkyl andcycloalkyl are as defined above.

The term “alkylsulfinyl” refers to alkyl-S(O)—, wherein alkyl is asdefined above. Similarly, the term “haloalkylsulfinyl” refers tohaloalkyl-S(O)— where haloalkyl is as defined above.

The term “alkylsulfonyl” refers to alkyl-S(O)₂—, wherein alkyl is asdefined above. Similarly, the term “haloalkylsulfonyl” refers tohaloalkyl-S(O)₂— where haloalkyl is as defined above.

The term alkylamino and dialkylamino refer to alkyl-NH— and (alkyl)₂N—where alkyl is as defined above. Similarly, the terms “haloalkylamino”refers to haloalkyl-NH— where haloalkyl is as defined above.

The terms “alkylcarbonyl,” “alkoxycarbonyl,” “alkylaminocarbonyl,” and“dialkylaminocarbonyl refer to alkyl-C(O)—, alkoxy-C(O)—,alkylamino-C(O)— and dialkylamino-C(O)— where alkyl, alkoxy, alkylaminoand dialkylamino are as defined above. Similarly, the terms“haloalkylcarbonyl,” “haloalkoxycarbonyl,” “haloalkylaminocarbonyl,” and“dihaloalkylaminocarbonyl” refer to the groups haloalkyl-C(O)—,haloalkoxy-C(O)—, haloalkylamino-C(O)— and dihaloalkylamino-C(O)— wherehaloalkyl, haloalkoxy, haloalkylamino and dihaloalkylamino are asdefined above.

“Aryl” refers to a monovalent aromatic carbocyclic group of from 6 to 14carbon atoms having a single ring or multiple condensed rings. In someembodiments, aryl groups include C₆-C₁₀ aryl groups. Aryl groupsinclude, but are not limited to, phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl,tetrahydronaphtyl, phenylcyclopropyl and indanyl. Aryl groups may beunsubstituted or substituted by one or more moieties selected fromhalogen, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl,halocycloalkyl, halocycloalkenyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy,haloalkoxy, haloalkenyloxy, haloalkynyloxy, cycloalkoxy,cycloalkenyloxy, halocycloalkoxy, halocycloalkenyloxy, alkylthio,haloalkylthio, cycloalkylthio, halocycloalkylthio, alkylsulfinyl,alkenylsulfinyl, alkynyl-sulfinyl, haloalkylsulfinyl,haloalkenylsulfinyl, haloalkynylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl,alkenylsulfonyl, alkynylsulfonyl, haloalkyl-sulfonyl,haloalkenylsulfonyl, haloalkynylsulfonyl, alkylamino, alkenylamino,alkynylamino, di(alkyl)amino, di(alkenyl)-amino, di(alkynyl)amino, ortrialkylsilyl.

The term “aralkyl” refers to an aryl group that is bonded to the parentcompound through a diradical alkylene bridge, (—CH₂—)_(n), where n is1-12 and where “aryl” is as defined above.

“Heteroaryl” refers to a monovalent aromatic group of from 1 to 15carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, having one or moreoxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur heteroatoms within the ring, preferably 1to 4 heteroatoms, or 1 to 3 heteroatoms. The nitrogen and sulfurheteroatoms may optionally be oxidized. Such heteroaryl groups can havea single ring (e.g., pyridyl or furyl) or multiple condensed ringsprovided that the point of attachment is through a heteroaryl ring atom.Preferred heteroaryls include pyridyl, piridazinyl, pyrimidinyl,pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl,quinazolinyl, quinoxalinnyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, furyl, pyrrolyl,imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl benzofuranyl,and benzothiophenyl. Heteroaryl rings may be unsubstituted orsubstituted by one or more moieties as described for aryl above.

“Heterocyclyl,” “heterocyclic” or “heterocyclo” refer to fully saturatedor unsaturated, cyclic groups, for example, 3 to 7 membered monocyclicor 4 to 7 membered monocyclic; 7 to 11 membered bicyclic, or 10 to 15membered tricyclic ring systems, which have one or more oxygen, sulfuror nitrogen heteroatoms in ring, preferably 1 to 4 or 1 to 3heteroatoms. The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally beoxidized and the nitrogen heteroatoms may optionally be quaternized. Theheterocyclic group may be attached at any heteroatom or carbon atom ofthe ring or ring system and may be unsubstituted or substituted by oneor more moieties as described for aryl groups above.

Exemplary monocyclic heterocyclic groups include, but are not limitedto, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, oxetanyl, pyrazolinyl,imidazolyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxazolidinyl,isoxazolinyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolidinyl,isothiazolyl, isothiazolidinyl, furyl, tetrahydrofuryl, thienyl,oxadiazolyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl,2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, azepinyl,4-piperidonyl, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl,tetrahydropyranyl, morpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl, thiamorpholinylsulfoxide, thiamorpholinyl sulfone, 1,3-dioxolane andtetrahydro-1,1-dioxothienyl, triazolyl, triazinyl, and the like.

Exemplary bicyclic heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to,indolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzodioxolyl, benzothienyl,quinuclidinyl, quinolinyl, tetra-hydroisoquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl,benzimidazolyl, benzopyranyl, indolizinyl, benzofuryl, chromonyl,coumarinyl, benzopyranyl, cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl, indazolyl,pyrrolopyridyl, furopyridinyl (such as furo[2,3-c]pyridinyl,furo[3,2-b]pyridinyl] or furo[2,3-b]pyridinyl), dihydroisoindolyl,dihydroquinazolinyl (such as 3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-quinazolinyl),tetrahydroquinolinyl and the like.

Exemplary tricyclic heterocyclic groups include carbazolyl, benzidolyl,phenanthrolinyl, acridinyl, phenanthridinyl, xanthenyl, and the like.

Halogen means the atoms fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. Thedesignation of “halo” (e.g. as illustrated in the term haloalkyl) refersto all degrees of substitutions from a single substitution to a perhalosubstitution (e.g. as illustrated with methyl as chloromethyl (—CH₂Cl),dichloromethyl (—CHCl₂), trichloromethyl (—CCl₃)).

Stereoisomers and Polymorphic Forms

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that certaincompounds within the compositions of the invention may exist and beisolated as optically active and racemic forms. Compounds having one ormore chiral centers, including at a sulfur atom, may be present assingle enantiomers or diastereomers or as mixtures of enantiomers and/ordiastereomers. For example, it is well known in the art that compoundscontaining a sulfoxide functional group may be optically active and mayexist as single enantiomers or racemic mixtures. In addition, compoundswithin the compositions of the invention may include one or more chiralcenters, which results in a theoretical number of optically activeisomers. Where compounds within the compositions of the inventioninclude n chiral centers, the compounds may comprise up to 2^(n) opticalisomers. The present invention encompasses the specific enantiomers ordiastereomers of each compound as well as mixtures of differentenantiomers and/or diastereomers of the compounds of the invention thatpossess the useful properties described herein. The optically activeforms can be prepared by, for example, resolution of the racemic formsby selective crystallization techniques, by synthesis from opticallyactive precursors, by chiral synthesis, by chromatographic separationusing a chiral stationary phase or by enzymatic resolution.

The compounds within the compositions of present invention may also bepresent in different solid forms such as different crystalline forms orin the form of an amorphous solid. The present invention encompassesdifferent crystalline forms as well as amorphous forms of the inventivecompounds.

In addition, the compounds within the compositions of the invention mayexist as hydrates or solvates, in which a certain stoichiometric amountof water or a solvent is associated with the molecule in the crystallineform. The compositions of the invention may include hydrates andsolvates of the active agents.

Salts

Also contemplated within the scope of the invention are acid or basesalts, where applicable, of the compounds of the invention provided forherein.

The term “acid” contemplates all pharmaceutically acceptable inorganicor organic acids. Inorganic acids include mineral acids such ashydrohalic acids such as hydrobromic acid and hydrochloric acid,sulfuric acid, phosphoric acids and nitric acid. Organic acids includeall pharmaceutically acceptable aliphatic, alicyclic and aromaticcarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, fatty acidsand sulfonic acids. In one embodiment of the acids, the acids arestraight chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated C₁-C₂₀ aliphaticcarboxylic acids, which are optionally substituted by halogen or byhydroxyl groups, or C₆-C₁₂ aromatic carboxylic acids. Examples of suchacids are carbonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid,isopropionic acid, valeric acid, α-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acidand lactic acid, chloroacetic acid, benzoic acid, and salicylic acid.Examples of dicarboxylic acids include oxalic acid, malic acid, succinicacid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, and maleic acid. An example of atricarboxylic acid is citric acid. Fatty acids include allpharmaceutically acceptable saturated or unsaturated aliphatic oraromatic carboxylic acids having 4 to 24 carbon atoms. Examples includebutyric acid, isobutyric acid, sec-butyric acid, lauric acid, palmiticacid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, andphenylsteric acid. Other acids include gluconic acid, glycoheptonic acidand lactobionic acid. Sulfonic acids include alkyl or haloalkylsulfonicacids and arylsulfonic acids including, but not limited to methanesulfonic acid, ethane sulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid andnaphthalenesulfonic acid, among others.

The term “base” contemplates all pharmaceutically acceptable inorganicor organic bases, including hydroxides, carbonates or bicarbonates ofalkali metal or alkaline earth metals. Salts formed with such basesinclude, for example, the alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts,including, but not limited to, as the lithium, sodium, potassium,magnesium or calcium salts. Salts formed with organic bases include thecommon hydrocarbon and heterocyclic amine salts, which include, forexample, ammonium salts (NH4⁺), alkyl- and dialkylammonium salts, andsalts of cyclic amines such as the morpholine and piperidine salts.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising an effective amount of at least one isoxazolinecompound of formula (I) below in combination with a pharmaceutically orveterinarily acceptable carrier:

wherein

A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are independently CR³ or N, provided that atmost 3 of A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are N;

B¹, B² and B³ are independently CR² or N;

W is O or S;

R¹ is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl orcycloalkylalkyl, each optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from R⁶;

each R² is independently H, halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy,haloalkoxy, alkylthio, haloalkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, haloalkylsulfinyl,alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino,alkoxycarbonyl, —CN or —NO₂;

each R³ is independently H, halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl,halocycloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkylthio, haloalkylthio,alkylsulfinyl, haloalkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl,alkylamino, dialkylamino, —CN or —NO₂;

R⁴ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl,cycloalkylalkyl, alkylcarbonyl or alkoxycarbonyl;

R⁵ is H, OR¹⁰, NR¹¹R¹² or Q¹; or alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl,alkylcycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl, each optionally substituted with oneor more substituents independently selected from R⁷; or

R⁴ and R⁵ are taken together with the nitrogen to which they areattached to form a ring containing 2 to 6 atoms of carbon and optionallyone additional atom selected from the group consisting of N, S and O,said ring optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of alkyl, halogen, —CN, —NO₂ andalkoxy;

each R⁶ is independently halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio,alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, —CN or —NO₂;

each R⁷ is independently halogen; alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio,alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino, cycloalkylamino,alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl,haloalkylcarbonyl, haloalkoxycarbonyl, haloalkylaminocarbonyl,dihaloalkylaminocarbonyl, hydroxy, —NH₂, —CN or —NO₂; or Q²;

each R⁸ is independently halogen, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkylthio,haloalkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, haloalkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl,haloalkylsulfonyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkoxycarbonyl, —CN or—NO₂;

each R⁹ is independently halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl,halocycloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkylthio, haloalkylthio,alkylsulfinyl, haloalkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl,alkylamino, dialkylamino, —CN, —NO₂, phenyl or pyridinyl;

R¹⁰ is H; or alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl orcycloalkylalkyl, each optionally substituted with one of more halogen;

R¹¹ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl,cycloalkylalkyl, alkylcarbonyl or alkoxycarbonyl;

R¹² is H; Q³; or alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl orcycloalkylalkyl, each optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from R⁷; or

R¹¹ and R¹² are taken together with the nitrogen to which they areattached to form a ring containing 2 to 6 atoms of carbon and optionallyone additional atom selected from the group consisting of N, S and O,said ring optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of alkyl, halogen, —CN, —NO₂ andalkoxy;

Q¹ is a phenyl ring, a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, or an 8-, 9-or 10-membered fused bicyclic ring system optionally containing one tothree heteroatoms selected from up to 1 O, up to 1 S and up to 3 N, eachring or ring system optionally substituted with one or more substituentsindependently selected from R⁸;

each Q² is independently a phenyl ring or a 5- or 6-memberedheterocyclic ring, each ring optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from R⁹;

Q³ is a phenyl ring or a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, each ringoptionally substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from R⁹; and

n is 0, 1 or 2.

In another embodiment, the invention provides soft chewable veterinarycompositions comprising an effective amount of at least one isoxazolineof formula (I) in combination with a pharmaceutically or veterinarilyacceptable carrier:

wherein:

A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are independently CR³ or N, provided that atmost 3 of A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are N;

B¹, B² and B³ are independently CR² or N;

W is O or S;

R¹ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₄-C₇alkylcycloalkyl or C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, each optionally substitutedwith one or more substituents independently selected from R⁶;

each R² is independently H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, C₁-C₆ haloalkylthio, C₁-C₆alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, C₂-C₆ dialkylamino, C₂-C₄alkoxycarbonyl, —CN or —NO₂;

each R³ is independently H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylthio, C₁-C₆ haloalkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₂-C₆ dialkylamino, —CN or —NO₂;

R⁴ is H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, C₂-C₇ alkylcarbonyl orC₂-C₇ alkoxycarbonyl;

R⁵ is H, OR¹⁰, NR¹¹R¹² or Q¹; or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl or C₄-C₇cycloalkylalkyl, each optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from R⁷; or

R⁴ and R⁵ are taken together with the nitrogen to which they areattached to form a ring containing 2 to 6 atoms of carbon and optionallyone additional atom selected from the group consisting of N, S and O,said ring optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of C₁-C₂ alkyl, halogen, —CN, —NO₂and C₁-C₂ alkoxy;

each R⁶ is independently halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, —CN or —NO₂;

each R⁷ is independently halogen; C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₂-C₈ dialkylamino, C₃-C₆ cycloalkylamino, C₂-C₇alkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₇ alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₇ alkylaminocarbonyl, C₃-C₉dialkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₇ haloalkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₇ haloalkoxycarbonyl,C₂-C₇ haloalkylaminocarbonyl, C₃-C₉ dihaloalkylaminocarbonyl, hydroxy,—NH₂, —CN or —NO₂; or Q2

each R⁸ is independently halogen, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylthio, C₁-C₆ haloalkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₂-C₆ dialkylamino, C₂-C₄ alkoxycarbonyl, —CN or —NO₂;

each R⁹ is independently halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylthio, C₁-C₆ haloalkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₂-C₆ dialkylamino, —CN, —NO₂, phenyl or pyridinyl;

R¹⁰ is H; or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl or C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, eachoptionally substituted with one of more halogen;

R¹¹ is H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, C₂-C₇ alkylcarbonyl orC₂-C₇ alkoxycarbonyl;

R¹² is H; Q³; or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl or C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, eachoptionally substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from R⁷; or

R¹¹ and R¹² are taken together with the nitrogen to which they areattached to form a ring containing 2 to 6 atoms of carbon and optionallyone additional atom selected from the group consisting of N, S and O,said ring optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of C₁-C₂ alkyl, halogen, —CN, —NO₂and C₁-C₂ alkoxy;

Q¹ is a phenyl ring, a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, or an 8-, 9-or 10-membered fused bicyclic ring system optionally containing one tothree heteroatoms selected from up to 1 O, up to 1 S and up to 3 N, eachring or ring system optionally substituted with one or more substituentsindependently selected from R⁸;

each Q² is independently a phenyl ring or a 5- or 6-memberedheterocyclic ring, each ring optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from R⁹;

Q³ is a phenyl ring or a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, each ringoptionally substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from R⁹; and

n is 0, 1 or 2.

In one embodiment of formula (I), W is O. In another embodiment, W is S.

In another embodiment of formula (I), A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are eachCR³.

In another embodiment of formula (I), B¹, B² and B³ are each CR²

In still another embodiment of formula (I), W is O and A¹, A², A³, A⁴,A⁵ and A⁶ are each CR³.

In yet another embodiment of formula (I), W is O; A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ andA⁶ are each CR³; and B¹, B² and B³ are each CR².

In another embodiment of formula (I), A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are eachCH.

In another embodiment of formula (I), B¹, B² and B³ are each CR²; and R²is H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl or C₁-C₆ haloalkyl.

In still another embodiment of formula (I), R¹ is C₁-C₃ alkyl optionallysubstituted by one or more of R⁶;

R² is independently H, halogen, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy or—CN; and

each R³ is independently H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, —CN or—NO₂.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a soft chewableveterinary composition comprising an isoxazoline of formula (I) wherein:

-   -   W is O or S; R⁴ is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; R⁵ is —CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃;        each of    -   A¹=A²=A³=A⁴=A⁵=A⁶ is CH;    -   R¹ is C₁-C₆ alkyl each optionally substituted with one or more        substituents independently selected from R⁶;    -   R⁶ is halogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl; and    -   B¹, B², and B³ are independently CH, C-halogen, C—C₁-C₆ alkyl,        C—C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, or C—C₁-C₆ alkoxy.

In another embodiment of formula (I), B¹, B² and B³ are independentlyCR²;

W is O;

R⁴ is H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₇ alkylcarbonyl or C₂-C₇ alkoxycarbonyl; and

R⁵ is H, NR¹¹R¹² or Q¹; or C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₂-C₄ alkenyl, C₂-C₄ alkynyl,C₃-C₄ cycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl or C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, eachoptionally substituted with one or more of R⁷.

In still another embodiment of formula (I), R¹ is C₁-C₃ alkyl optionallysubstituted with halogen;

each R² is independently H, CF₃, OCF₃, halogen or —CN;

each R³ is independently H, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ haloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy or —CN; and

each R⁷ is independently halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, C₁-C₄ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₂-C₄alkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₄ alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₅ alkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₅haloalkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₅ haloalkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₅haloalkylaminocarbonyl, —NH₂, —CN or NO2; or Q₂.

In yet another embodiment of formula (I), R⁴ is H;

R⁵ is C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more R⁷;

each R⁷ is independently halogen or Q²; and

each Q² is independently phenyl, pyridinyl or thiazolyl.

In still another embodiment of formula (I), R¹ is CF₃;

A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are each CR³;

B² is CR²; and

each R³ is independently H, C₁-C₄ alkyl or —CN.

In another embodiment, B² is CH;

B¹ and B³ are each CR² where each R² is independently halogen or C₁-C₃haloalkyl;

A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are each CR³;

R³ is H; and

n is 2.

In still another embodiment of formula (I), R¹ is CF₃;

A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are each CR³;

B2 is CH;

each of B¹ and B³ are CR²;

each R³ is independently H or C₁-C₄ alkyl;

each R² is independently halogen or C₁-C₃ haloalkyl;

R⁴ is H;

R⁵ is C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more R⁷; and

R⁷ is C₂-C₇ alkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₇ alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₇alkylaminocarbonyl, C₃-C₉ dialkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₇ haloalkylcarbonyl,C₂-C₇ haloalkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₇ haloalkylaminocarbonyl, C₃-C₉dihaloalkylaminocarbonyl.

In yet another embodiment of formula (I), R¹ is CF₃;

A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are each CH;

B² is CH;

each of B¹ and B³ are CR²;

each R² is independently halogen or C₁-C₃ haloalkyl;

R⁴ is H;

R⁵ is C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more R⁷; and

R⁷ is C₂-C₇ alkylaminocarbonyl, C₃-C₉ dialkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₇haloalkylaminocarbonyl or C₃-C₉ dihaloalkylaminocarbonyl.

In a preferred embodiment, a soft chewable veterinary compositioncomprising an isoxazoline active agent of formula (I) is provided,wherein:

R¹ is CF₃;

W is O;

A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are each CH;

B² is CH;

B¹ is chloro;

B² is CF3;

R⁴ is H;

R⁵ is CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃; and

n is 2.

In one embodiment, the invention provides soft chewable veterinarycompositions comprising an effective amount of the isoxazoline compound1-4-[5-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4,5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-N-[2-oxo-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)amino]ethyl]-1-naphthalenecarboxamide(Compound A). This compound has the following structure:

In other embodiments, the invention provides soft chewable veterinarycompositions comprising an effective amount of an isoxazoline activeagent described in WO 2009/02451A2 and US 2011/0059988, bothincorporated herein by reference in their entirety, in combination witha pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The compounds ofgeneral formula (II) shown below are described in US 2011/0059988 and WO2009/02451 A2.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides soft chewableveterinary compositions comprising an effective amount of compound 11-1described in US 2011/0059988, which is referred to as Compound B hereinand has the structure:

in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluentdescribed herein.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the soft chewable veterinarycompositions of the invention comprise an effective amount of a compoundof formulae (III) or (IV) shown below, which are described in WO2011/075591 and US 2011/0152312, both incorporated herein by referencein their entirety. In one embodiment, the isoxazoline has the structureof formula (III) or (IV), wherein:

B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄ and B₅ are independently N or C—R₉;

each Z is independently halogen, hydroxy, amino, alkyl- ordi(alkyl)amino, alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl,alkynyl, haloalkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkylthio, haloalkylthio,R₇S(O)—, R₇S(O)₂—, R₇C(O)—, R₇R₈NC(O)—, R₇OC(O)—, R₇C(O)O—, R₇C(O)NR₈—,—CN or —NO₂;

R₁₅ and R₁₆ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, thioalkyl,alkylthioalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxylakyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynylor haloalkynyl;

R₉ is hydrogen, halogen, —CN, or alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl,alkynyl, haloalkynyl, cycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl orcycloalkylalkyl, each which is unsubstituted or substituted with one ormore of halogen, hydroxy, amino, alkyl- or di(alkyl)amino, alkyl,cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkynyl,alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkylthio, haloalkylthio, R₇S(O)—, R₇S(O)₂—,R₇C(O)—, R₇R₈NC(O)—, R₇OC(O)—, R₇C(O)O—, R₇C(O)NR₈—, —CN or —NO₂;

R₇ and R₈ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, thioalkyl,alkylthioalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxylakyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynylor haloalkynyl; and

p is 1, 2 or 3.

In another embodiment the invention provides soft chewable veterinarycompositions comprising an effective amount of at least one of compounds1.001 to 1.025 or 2.001 to 2.018 described in WO 2011/075591 and US2011/0152312 shown in Tables 1 and 2 below, in combination with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier described herein:

TABLE 1 Compounds 1.001 to 1.025 Compound MS RT LCMS No. (Z)_(p) B⁵ B⁴B³ B² B¹ R¹⁵ R¹⁶ MH⁺ (min) Method 1.001 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H N HCH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 582 2.21 1 1.002 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H N H CH₂CF₃ 5252.32 1 1.003 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H N CH₃ CH₂CO₂CH₃ 597 2.06 1 1.0043,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H N CH₃ CH₂CO₂H 583 2.07 1 1.005 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—HC—H C—H C—H N CH₃ CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 664 2.14 1 1.006 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—HC—H C—H N H CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 650 2.18 1 1.007 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—H C—HN H CH₂CH₂SCH₃ 585 2.31 1 1.008 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H HCH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 648 2.18 1 1.009 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H HCH₂CH₂SCH₃ 584 2.24 1 1.010 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂CF₃1.011 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 581 2.20 1 1.0123,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂CF₃ 1.013 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H HCH₂CH₂SCH₃ 516 2.26 1 1.014 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H HCH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 1.015 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂CF₃ 1.0163-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂CH₂SCH₃ 1.017 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—MeC—H C—Me H CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 609 2.12 1 1.018 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—Me C—HC—Me H CH₂CF₃ 552 2.17 1 1.019 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—Me C—H C—Me HCH₂CH₂SCH₃ 544 2.18 1 1.020 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—Me C—H C—Me HCH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 1.021 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—Me C—H C—Me H CH₂CF₃ 1.0223,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—Me C—H C—Me H CH₂CH₂SCH₃ 1.023 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—HC—Me C—H C—Me H CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 1.024 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—H C—Me C—H C—Me HCH₂CF₃ 1.025 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—H C—Me C—H C—Me H CH₂CH₂SCH₃

TABLE 2 Compounds 2.001 to 2.018 Compound MS RT LCMS No. (Z)_(p) B⁵ B⁴B³ B² B¹ R¹⁵ R¹⁶ MH⁺ (min) Method 2.001 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H N C—H C—H HCH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 2.002 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H N C—H C—H H CH₂CF₃ 2.003 3,5-Cl₂C—H C—H N C—H C—H H CH₂CH₂SCH₃ 2.004 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H N C—H C—H HCH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 650 1.85 1 2.005 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H N C—H C—H H CH₂CF₃2.006 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H N C—H C—H H CH₂CH₂SCH₃ 2.007 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—HN C—H C—H H CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 2.008 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—H N C—H C—H H CH₂CF₃2.009 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—H N C—H C—H H CH₂CH₂SCH₃ 2.010 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—HC—H C—H C—H H CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 2.011 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂CF₃2.012 3,5-Cl₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂CH₂SCH₃ 2.013 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—HC—H C—H C—H H CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 2.014 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H HCH₂CF₃ 2.015 3,5-(CF₃)₂ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂CH₂SCH₃ 2.0163-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃ 2.017 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—HC—H C—H C—H C—H H CH₂CF₃ 2.018 3-Cl,5-CF₃ C—H C—H C—H C—H C—H HCH₂CH₂SCH₃

In another embodiment, the soft chewable veterinary compositions of theinvention may include one or more compounds of the isoxazolinesdisclosed in US 2010/0254960 A1, US2011/0159107, US2012/0309620,US2012/0030841, US2010/0069247, WO 2007/125984, WO 2012/086462, U.S.Pat. No. 8,318,757, US 2011/0144349, U.S. Pat. No. 8,053,452; US2010/0137612, US 2010/0254959, US 2011/152081, WO 2012/089623, WO2012/089622, U.S. Pat. No. 8,119,671; U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,715; WO2102/120135, WO 2012/107533, WO 2011/157748, US 2011/0245274, US2011/0245239, US 2012/0232026, US 2012/0077765, US 2012/0035122, US2011/0251247, WO 2011/154433, WO 2011/154434, US 2012/0238517, US2011/0166193, WO 2011/104088, WO 2011/104087, WO 2011/104089, US2012/015946, US 2009/0143410, WO 2007/123855 A2, US 2011/0118212, U.S.Pat. No. 7,951,828 & U.S. Pat. No. 7,662,972, US 2010/0137372 A1, US2010/0179194 A2, US 2011/0086886 A2, US 2011/0059988 A1, US 2010/0179195A1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,897,630, U.S. Pat. No. 7,951,828 and U.S. Pat. No.7,662,972, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

Bioavailability of Active Agents

It has been surprisingly found that the compositions of the inventionprovide exceptionally high bioavailability for the systemically-actingactive agents in the blood of the animal to which the compositions areadministered within a few hours of administration. Furthermore, in someembodiments the compositions of the invention provide extremelylong-lasting efficacy against ectoparasites and/or endoparasites that isunexpected and surprising from an immediate release oral dosage form.

In one embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of the inventionprovide exceptionally high bioavailability for systemically-actingisoxazoline active agents. The surprisingly high bioavailability of theisoxazoline active agents achieved from the compositions of theinvention is a key factor in achieving the fast onset of action and thevery long lasting efficacy against ectoparasites observed.

In order for the compositions of the invention to be efficacious againstectoparasites such as ticks and fleas for an extended period of time,the isoxazoline active agent must be present at a minimally effectiveconcentration in the plasma and/or tissues of the animal for the desiredperiod of time. The time that the active agent remains in the systemiccirculation (measured as half-life or T_(1/2), the period of time ittakes for the amount of active agent undergoing decay to decrease byhalf) is based on the intrinsic structure of the compound and how itbehaves in vivo. However, the amount of the active agent that isabsorbed into the systemic circulation from an oral dosage form may besignificantly affected by the non-active excipients of the composition.As such, the specific combination of non-active excipients in acomposition can have a major effect on the bioavailability of a givenactive agent.

In order for an active ingredient to be readily bioavailable andabsorbed from the gastrointestinal lumen into the bloodstream of theanimal, the active agent must first be effectively released from thesolid composition after ingestion. Secondly, in the case of activeagents with low water solubility, the active agent must be maintained insolution at the appropriate location in the gastrointestinal lumen to beabsorbed across the intestinal epithelium and into the bloodstream. Bothof these factors can be significantly affected by the combination ofnon-active excipients in the oral dosage forms.

It is well known that one of the drawbacks of oral dosage forms is thatthe amount of the drug that can be absorbed from the digestive tractinto the systemic circulation is limited. In fact, it is wellestablished in the literature that low bioavailability is one of theleading causes of new drug candidate failures in pre-clinical andclinical development, especially for compounds with low aqueoussolubility. Compounds that achieve poor bioavailability tend to have lowplasma exposure and high variability between subjects, limiting theirtherapeutic usefulness (see V. Hayden et al. The Road Map to OralBioavailability: an Industrial Perspective, Expert Opin. Drug Metab.Toxicol. 2006, 2(4):591-608). Poor bioavailability limits the choice ofdrugs for oral administration, and in other cases significant allowancesmust be made to account for the low absorption of the active agent. Thisis reflected in the established minimal acceptable oral bioavailabilityof only 30% for typical oral dosage drug development programs (V. Haydenet al., Ibid.). Further, a number of well-known human drugs are known tohave bioavailabilities of ≦20% (see Fasinu et al., Biopharm. DrugDispos. 2011, 32, 1185-209).

In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention comprising at leastone isoxazoline active agent have exceptionally consistent andpredictable dissolution profiles in vitro over a range of dosage formsizes, releasing a high percentage of the isoxazoline active ingredient.In an embodiment, the compositions of the invention release at leastabout 70% (w/w) of the available isoxazoline active ingredient within 60minutes, as measured by a standard dissolution test. In otherembodiments, the compositions of the invention release at least about80% (w/w) of the available isoxazoline active agent within about 60minutes. In still another embodiment, the compositions of the inventionrelease at least about 85% (w/w) or about 90% (w/w) of the availableisoxazoline active agent within about 60 minutes. The predictable andconsistent dissolution profiles exhibited by the compositions of theinvention are unusual for chewable compositions and are indicative ofthe excellent bioavailability in vivo.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the dissolution profiles of 2 gram soft chewablecompositions of the invention that have been stored at 25° C. and 60%relative humidity (RH) and 40° C. and 75% RH, respectively, taken at 1,2, 3, 6 and 12 months. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the dissolution profiles of 4gram soft chewable compositions of the invention that have been storedat 25° C. and 60% relative humidity (RH) and 40° C. and 75% RH,respectively, taken at 0, 2 and 6 months. As the figures show, both the2 gram and 4 gram size soft chewable compositions exhibit extremelyreproducible dissolution profiles, even after storage at acceleratedstability conditions. This demonstrates the predictable and consistentrelease profile of the compositions of the invention, which is animportant factor in obtaining the surprising and unexpectedbioavailability observed.

Consistent with the predictable and efficient dissolution profileexhibited in vitro, animals treated with the compositions of theinvention absorb a very high proportion of the isoxazoline active agentin vivo after administration. Thus in one embodiment, the compositionsof the invention provide a maximum drug concentration in plasma after aslittle as about 3 hours after administration. In other embodiments, thecompositions of the invention provide a maximum concentration of thedrug after about 3 and a half hours or after about 4 hours afteradministration. In still other embodiments, the compositions of theinvention provide a maximum concentration of the isoxazoline in theplasma after about 4 and a half or about 5 hours after administration.

The compositions of the invention comprising at least one isoxazolineactive agent exhibit surprisingly high bioavailability of theisoxazoline active agent in vivo. Thus, in one embodiment, the softchewable veterinary compositions of the invention provide at least about70% bioavailability of the isoxazoline active agent relative tointravenous dosing. In other embodiments of the invention, the softchewable compositions provide at least about 85% or at least about 95%bioavailability of the isoxazoline active agent after administration. Insome embodiments, the bioavailability of the isoxazoline active agentfrom the inventive chewable compositions is even up to about 100%relative to intravenous administration of the active agent.

These levels of bioavailability of an isoxazoline active agent havinglow water solubility from a soft chewable veterinary composition aresurprisingly high and unexpected. Although the extremely highbioavailability of the chewable compositions is in part due to thephysico-chemical properties of the isoxazoline active agents, the highlevels observed from the chewable compositions of the invention are madepossible by the presence and combination of the non-active excipients,which ensure complete and predictable dissolution of the composition andmaintain the active agents in solution in the digestive tract of theanimal. The significant effect of the non-active excipients of thecompositions of the invention on the bioavailability of the isoxazolineactive agent is demonstrated by FIG. 5. This plot compares the plasmaconcentration of an isoxazoline active agent (Compound A) delivered fromsoft chewable compositions of the invention designed to deliver 20 mg/kgand 40 mg/kg of body weight with administration of a polyethyleneglycol/alcohol solution of the active agent at 25 mg/kg body weight. Thefigure shows that the soft chewable compositions of the inventionprovide significantly higher plasma levels even when dosed at lowerlevels compared to a solution of the active agent (20 mg/kg chewablecomposition vs. 25 mg/kg solution). This is particularly surprisingsince the chewable compositions are in the form of a solid that mustdisintegrate and completely release and solubilize the active agent forefficient absorption during digestion. One would expect the solution toprovide higher bioavailability because the active agent is completelydissolved when administered. The significantly higher bioavailabilityachieved from the chewable compositions of the invention is clearly theresult of the non-active excipients in the composition rather than thenatural permeability of the active agent since the same active is used.

The surprisingly high bioavailability of the isoxazoline active agentsin the oral veterinary compositions of the invention significantlycontributes to the fast onset of action and the extremely long lastingefficacy against fleas and ticks. Thus, in some embodiments, the abilityof the compositions to safely and predictably achieve a desiredconcentration of the isoxazoline active agent in the blood streamwithout having to dose very high levels of the compound to the animalcoupled with the residence time of the active agent in the blood streamresults in superior control of ectoparasites, including for up to about90 days or longer against fleas. This length of efficacy from aonce-dosed immediate release oral dosage form is unparalleled and verysurprising.

In another embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of the inventionmay provide exceptionally high and unexpected bioavailability ofparasiticidal active agents that are active against endoparasites. Thus,in one embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of the invention mayprovide a bioavailability of at least about 70% relative to intravenousdosing of a parasiticide selected from the group consisting of amacrocyclic lactone active agent, a benzimidazole agent includingthiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole, fenbendazole, oxfendazole,albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel; levamisole, pyrantel,morantel, closantel, clorsulon, an amino acetonitrile active agent andan aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agent. In another embodiment,the soft chewable compositions of the invention may provide abioavailability of at least about 80%, at least about 85% or at leastabout 90% relative to intravenous dosing of a parasiticide selected froma macrocyclic lactone active agent, a benzimidazole agent includingthiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole, fenbendazole, oxfendazole,albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel; levamisole, pyrantel,morantel, closantel, clorsulon, an amino acetonitrile active agent andan aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agent.

Ectoparasiticidal Compositions

The soft chewable veterinary compositions of the invention, whichinclude at least one isoxazoline active agent and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier that is suitable for oral administration to ananimal, have been surprisingly discovered to be safe and effectiveagainst a broad spectrum of ectoparasites for an extended period oftime. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the soft chewablecompositions of the invention provide protection of at least 90%efficacy against fleas (C. felis) for at least 30 days or at least 36days as measured against untreated controls according to the methodsdescribed in the examples. In another embodiment, the soft chewablecompositions of the invention provide at least 90% efficacy againstfleas for at least 44 days or for at least 58 days.

In some embodiments of the invention, the compositions of the inventioncomprising at least one isoxazoline active provide a high level ofefficacy against fleas for periods of time in excess of 60 days. Forexample, in one embodiment, the compositions of the invention provide anefficacy of at least 90% against fleas for at least 72 days. In otherembodiments, the compositions of the invention provide an efficacy of atleast 90% against fleas for at least 79 days, at least 86 days or evenat least 93 days. In still other embodiments, the very long lasting oralcompositions of the invention provide an efficacy of at least 90%against fleas for at least about 100 days, at least about 107 days oreven at least about 114 days.

In yet another embodiment, the soft chewable veterinary compositions ofthe invention comprising at least one isoxazoline active provide anefficacy of at least about 95% against fleas (C. felis) for at leastabout 30 days or at least about 36 days. In yet another embodiment, thesoft chewable veterinary compositions of the invention provide anefficacy of at least about 95% for at least about 44 days, at leastabout 58 days or at least about 72 days. In still other embodiments, thevery long lasting oral compositions of the invention provide an efficacyof at least about 95% for at least about 79 days, at least about 86 daysor even about 93 days.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the soft chewablecompositions comprising an effective amount of at least one isoxazolineactive agent provide about 100% efficacy against fleas for at leastabout 23 days, at least about 30 days or at least about 36 days. Instill other embodiments, the compositions of the invention provide anefficacy of about 100% against fleas for at least about 44 days, atleast about 58 days or at least about 72 days.

In another embodiment of the invention, the soft chewable veterinarycompositions comprising an isoxazoline active agent provide an efficacyof at least about 90% against ticks (including, but not limited to,Dermacentor variabilis, Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum,Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus andIxodes holocyclus) for at least about 30 days or at least about 36 days.In still another embodiment, the soft chewable veterinary compositionsof the invention will provide an efficacy of at least about 95% for atleast about 23 days, at least about 30 days or at least about 36 days.

In some embodiments, the very long lasting oral veterinary compositionsof the invention comprising at least one isoxazoline active provide anefficacy against certain species of ticks of at least about 90% for atleast about 44 days, at least about 58 days, or at least about 72 days.In other embodiments, the oral veterinary compositions of the inventionprovide an efficacy against certain species of ticks of at least about90% for at least about 79 days, at least about 86 days, at least about93 days, at least about 100 days or even at least about 107 days. Insome embodiments, the oral compositions of the invention provide anefficacy of at least about 95% against ticks for at least about 44 days,at least about 58 days, at least about 72 days or at least about 79days. In certain other embodiments, the compositions of the inventionwill provide an efficacy of at least 95% for at least about 100 days oreven at least about 107 days against certain species of ticks (e.g. D.variabilis). In other embodiments, the compositions of the inventionwill even provide an efficacy of about 100% against certain species ofticks for at least about 93 days, at least about 100 days or even atleast about 107 days. This very high level of efficacy against ticks forsuch extended periods of time from an oral dosage form is striking andwithout precedence in immediate release oral dosage forms. Furthermore,the oral compositions of the invention are surprisingly effectiveagainst hard to control ticks including Amblyomma americanum and others.

The soft chewable veterinary compositions of the invention comprising atleast one isoxazoline active agent have been found to exhibit a veryfast onset of action against parasites that harm animals. For example,in some embodiments of the invention, the soft chewable veterinarycompositions of the invention provide an efficacy of at least about 15%,at least about 20% or at least about 30% against fleas (C. felis) onlyabout 30 minutes after administration to the animal compared withuntreated controls, as measured according to the methods described inthe examples.

In other embodiments, the soft chewable compositions of the inventionprovide an efficacy of at least about 30%, at least about 40% or atleast about 50% against fleas only about 4 hours after administration.In still other embodiments, the compositions of the invention provide anefficacy of at least about 50%, at least about 60% or at least about 70%against fleas about 8 hours after administration to the animal. In yetother embodiments, the compositions of the invention provide an efficacyof at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95% or atleast about 98% about 12 hours after administration of the compositionto the animal. This surprisingly fast onset of efficacy is veryimportant for effectively treating animals with established severeectoparasitic infestations.

Typically, the isoxazoline(s) active agents may be present in thecomposition at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 40% (w/w). Inanother embodiment, the concentration of the isoxazoline(s) activeagents is about 0.1 to about 30% (w/w). In some embodiments of theinvention, the isoxazoline active agents are present in the compositionat a concentration from about 1 to about 25% (w/w), about 1 to about 20%(w/w), about 1 to about 10% (w/w), about 1 to about 5% (w/w), or about 1to about 3% (w/w). In still other embodiments, the isoxazoline(s) activeagents are present in a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5% (w/w),about 0.5 to about 5% (w/w), about 0.5 to about 3% (w/w) or about 1 toabout 3% (w/w) in the composition. In yet other embodiments, theisoxazoline(s) active agents are present in a concentration of about 3to about 6% (w/w), or about 5 to 10% (w/w). In other embodiments, theisoxazoline active agent is present in a relatively higher concentrationin the dosage form, including about 5% (w/w) to about 15% (w/w), about10% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w), about 10% (w/w) to about 15% (w/w) orabout 15% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w) in the composition.

Some dosage units may contain from about 0.5 mg to about 2000 mg of atleast one isoxazoline active agent or a combination of isoxazolineactive agents. In one embodiment, the isoxazoline active is present inan amount of from about 1 mg to about 200 mg in the composition. Moretypically, the isoxazoline active agent is present in an amount of about1 mg to about 150 mg or about 10 mg to about 150 mg per chewable unit.In some embodiments, the amount of at least one isoxazoline active agentin a dosage unit is about 5 mg to about 50 mg, bout 1 mg to about 30 mg,or about 5 mg to about 30 mg. In other embodiments, the amount of atleast one isoxazoline active agent in a dosage unit of the invention isabout 1 mg to about 20 mg or about 1 mg to about 15 mg. In otherembodiments, the dosage units will contain about 50 mg to about 150 mg,about 50 mg to about 100 mg, or about 75 mg to about 140 mg of at leastone isoxazoline active agent.

In other embodiments, the amount of at least one isoxazoline activeagent will be about 100 mg to about 2000 mg per dosage unit. Moretypically, the amount of at least one isoxazoline active agent in adosage unit will be about 100 mg to about 1500 mg, about 100 mg to about1000 mg or about 500 mg to about 1200 mg per dosage unit.

Additional Active Agents

In another aspect of the invention, oral veterinary compositions,including soft chewable compositions and chewable tablet compositions,that comprise one or more additional systemically-acting parasiticidalactive agents are provided. The active agents that may be included inthe composition can be from various classes of systemically-actingparasiticides and may be included in the oral veterinary compositions ofthe invention alone or in combination with an isoxazoline active agentand/or other systemically-acting ectoparasiticides including, but notlimited to, one or more spinosyn or spinosoid, one or more insect growthregulators, one or more arylpyrazoles and one or more neonicotinoids.When the compositions comprise a combination of a systemically-actingendoparasiticidal agent in combination with an ectoparasiticidal agentincluding, but not limited to, an isoxazoline active agent, thecompositions will be effective against both endoparasitic andectoparasitic infections and infestations.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising at least one isoxazoline active agent incombination with at least one other systemically-acting active agentthat is active against endoparasites, and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier or diluent. In another embodiment, the invention provides a softchewable veterinary composition comprising at least one isoxazolineactive agent in combination with at least one systemically-acting activeagent that is active against ectoparasites, together with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In some embodiments, the additional active agents combined with anisoxazoline active agent may include, but are not limited to,acaricides, anthelmintics, insecticides and other parasiticides ofvarious classes presented herein.

In another embodiment, the soft chewable compositions may also includeveterinary therapeutic agents. Veterinary pharmaceutical agents that maybe included in the compositions of the invention are well-known in theart (see e.g. Plumb' Veterinary Drug Handbook, 5^(th) Edition, ed.Donald C. Plumb, Blackwell Publishing, (2005) or The Merck VeterinaryManual, 9^(th) Edition, (January 2005)) and include but are not limitedto acarbose, acepromazine maleate, acetaminophen, acetazolamide,acetazolamide sodium, acetic acid, acetohydroxamic acid, acetylcysteine,acitretin, acyclovir, albendazole, albuterol sulfate, alfentanil,allopurinol, alprazolam, altrenogest, amantadine, amikacin sulfate,aminocaproic acid, aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate,aminophylline/theophylline, amiodarone, amitriptyline, amlodipinebesylate, ammonium chloride, ammonium molybdenate, amoxicillin,clavulanate potassium, amphotericin B desoxycholate, amphotericin Blipid-based, ampicillin, amprolium, antacids (oral), antivenin,apomorphione, apramycin sulfate, ascorbic acid, asparaginase, aspiring,atenolol, atipamezole, atracurium besylate, atropine sulfate, aurnofin,aurothioglucose, azaperone, azathioprine, azithromycin, baclofen,barbituates, benazepril, betamethasone, bethanechol chloride, bisacodyl,bismuth subsalicylate, bleomycin sulfate, boldenone undecylenate,bromides, bromocriptine mesylate, budenoside, buprenorphine, buspirone,busulfan, butorphanol tartrate, cabergoline, calcitonin salmon,calcitrol, calcium salts, captopril, carbenicillin indanyl sodium,carbimazole, carboplatin, carnitine, carprofen, carvedilol, cefadroxil,cefazolin sodium, cefixime, clorsulon, cefoperazone sodium, cefotaximesodium, cefotetan disodium, cefoxitin sodium, cefpodoxime proxetil,ceftazidime, ceftiofur sodium, ceftiofur, ceftiaxone sodium, cephalexin,cephalosporins, cephapirin, charcoal (activated), chlorambucil,chloramphenicol, chlordiazepoxide, chlordiazepoxide+/−clidinium bromide,chlorothiazide, chlorpheniramine maleate, chlorpromazine,chlorpropamide, chlortetracycline, chorionic gonadotropin (HCG),chromium, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, cisapride, cisplatin, citratesalts, clarithromycin, clemastine fumarate, clenbuterol, clindamycin,clofazimine, clomipramine, claonazepam, clonidine, cloprostenol sodium,clorazepate dipotassium, clorsulon, cloxacillin, codeine phosphate,colchicine, corticotropin (ACTH), cosyntropin, cyclophosphamide,cyclosporine, cyproheptadine, cytarabine, dacarbazine,dactinomycin/actinomycin D, dalteparin sodium, danazol, dantrolenesodium, dapsone, decoquinate, deferoxamine mesylate, deracoxib,deslorelin acetate, desmopressin acetate, desoxycorticosterone pivalate,detomidine, dexamethasone, dexpanthenol, dexraazoxane, dextran,diazepam, diazoxide (oral), dichlorphenamide, diclofenac sodium,dicloxacillin, diethylcarbamazine citrate, diethylstilbestrol (DES),difloxacin, digoxin, dihydrotachysterol (DHT), diltiazem,dimenhydrinate, dimercaprol/BAL, dimethyl sulfoxide, dinoprosttromethamine, diphenylhydramine, disopyramide phosphate, dobutamine,docusate/DSS, dolasetron mesylate, domperidone, dopamine, doramectin,doxapram, doxepin, doxorubicin, doxycycline, edetate calciumdisodium.calcium EDTA, edrophonium chloride, enalapril/enalaprilat,enoxaparin sodium, enrofloxacin, ephedrine sulfate, epinephrine,epoetin/erythropoietin, eprinomectin, epsiprantel, erythromycin,esmolol, estradiol cypionate, ethacrynic acid/ethacrynate sodium,ethanol (alcohol), etidronate sodium, etodolac, etomidate, euthanasiaagents w/pentobarbital, famotidine, fatty acids (essential/omega),felbamate, fentanyl, ferrous sulfate, filgrastim, finasteride, fipronil,florfenicol, fluconazole, flucytosine, fludrocortisone acetate,flumazenil, flumethasone, flunixin meglumine, fluorouracil (5-FU),fluoxetine, fluticasone propionate, fluvoxamine maleate, fomepizole(4-MP), furazolidone, furosemide, gabapentin, gemcitabine, gentamicinsulfate, glimepiride, glipizide, glucagon, glucocorticoid agents,glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate, glutamine, glyburide, glycerine (oral),glycopyrrolate, gonadorelin, grisseofulvin, guaifenesin, halothane,hemoglobin glutamer-200 (OXYGLOBIN®®), heparin, hetastarch, hyaluronatesodium, hydrazaline, hydrochlorothiazide, hydrocodone bitartrate,hydrocortisone, hydromorphone, hydroxyurea, hydroxyzine, ifosfamide,imidacloprid, imidocarb dipropinate, impenem-cilastatin sodium,imipramine, inamrinone lactate, insulin, interferon alfa-2a (humanrecombinant), iodide (sodium/potassium), ipecac (syrup), ipodate sodium,iron dextran, isoflurane, isoproterenol, isotretinoin, isoxsuprine,itraconazole, ivermectin, kaolin/pectin, ketamine, ketoconazole,ketoprofen, ketorolac tromethamine, lactulose, leuprolide, levamisole,levetiracetam, levothyroxine sodium, lidocaine, lincomycin, liothyroninesodium, lisinopril, lomustine (CCNU), lufenuron, lysine, magnesium,mannitol, marbofloxacin, mechlorethamine, meclizine, meclofenamic acid,medetomidine, medium chain triglycerides, medroxyprogesterone acetate,megestrol acetate, melarsomine, melatonin, meloxican, melphalan,meperidine, mercaptopurine, meropenem, metformin, methadone,methazolamide, methenamine mandelate/hippurate, methimazole, methionine,methocarbamol, methohexital sodium, methotrexate, methoxyflurane,methylene blue, methylphenidate, methylprednisolone, metoclopramide,metoprolol, metronidaxole, mexiletine, mibolerlone, midazolam milbemycinoxime, mineral oil, minocycline, misoprostol, mitotane, mitoxantrone,morphine sulfate, moxidectin, naloxone, mandrolone decanoate, naproxen,narcotic (opiate) agonist analgesics, neomycin sulfate, neostigmine,niacinamide, nitazoxanide, nitenpyram, nitrofurantoin, nitroglycerin,nitroprusside sodium, nizatidine, novobiocin sodium, nystatin,octreotide acetate, olsalazine sodium, omeprozole, ondansetron, opiateantidiarrheals, orbifloxacin, oxacillin sodium, oxazepam, oxibutyninchloride, oxymorphone, oxytretracycline, oxytocin, pamidronate disodium,pancreplipase, pancuronium bromide, paromomycin sulfate, parozetine,pencillamine, general information penicillins, penicillin G, penicillinV potassium, pentazocine, pentobarbital sodium, pentosan polysulfatesodium, pentoxifylline, pergolide mesylate, phenobarbital,phenoxybenzamine, pheylbutazone, phenylephrine, phenypropanolamine,phenytoin sodium, pheromones, parenteral phosphate, phytonadione/vitaminK-1, pimobendan, piperazine, pirlimycin, piroxicam, polysulfatedglycosaminoglycan, ponazuril, potassium chloride, pralidoxime chloride,prazosin, prednisolone/prednisone, primidone, procainamide,procarbazine, prochlorperazine, propantheline bromide, propionibacteriumacnes injection, propofol, propranolol, protamine sulfate,pseudoephedrine, psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid, pyridostigmine bromide,pyrilamine maleate, pyrimethamine, quinacrine, quinidine, ranitidine,rifampin, s-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe), saline/hyperosmotic laxative,selamectin, selegiline/l-deprenyl, sertraline, sevelamer, sevoflurane,silymarin/milk thistle, sodium bicarbonate, sodium polystyrenesulfonate, sodium stibogluconate, sodium sulfate, sodum thiosulfate,somatotropin, sotalol, spectinomycin, spironolactone, stanozolol,streptokinase, streptozocin, succimer, succinylcholine chloride,sucralfate, sufentanil citrate, sulfachlorpyridazine sodium,sulfadiazine/trimethroprim, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim,sulfadimentoxine, sulfadimethoxine/ormetoprim, sulfasalazine, taurine,tepoxaline, terbinafline, terbutaline sulfate, testosterone,tetracycline, thiacetarsamide sodium, thiamine, thioguanine, thiopentalsodium, thiotepa, thyrotropin, tiamulin, ticarcilin disodium,tiletamine/zolazepam, tilmocsin, tiopronin, tobramycin sulfate,tocainide, tolazoline, telfenamic acid, topiramate, tramadol,trimcinolone acetonide, trientine, trilostane, trimepraxine tartratew/prednisolone, tripelennamine, tylosin, urdosiol, valproic acid,vanadium, vancomycin, vasopressin, vecuronium bromide, verapamil,vinblastine sulfate, vincristine sulfate, vitamin E/selenium, warfarinsodium, xylazine, yohimbine, zafirlukast, zidovudine (AZT), zincacetate/zinc sulfate, zonisamide and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, arylpyrazole compounds such asphenylpyrazoles may be included in the oral veterinary compositions ofthe invention. The arylpyrazoles are known in the art and are suitablefor combination with the isoxazoline compounds in the soft chewablecompositions of the invention. Examples of such arylpyrazole compoundsinclude but are not limited to those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,001,384; 6,010,710; 6,083,519; 6,096,329; 6,174,540; 6,685,954,6,998,131 and 7,759,381 (all of which are incorporated herein byreference). A particularly preferred arylpyrazole active agent isfipronil. In one embodiment, the arylpyrazole may be included in thesoft chewable compositions in combination with one or more isoxazolineactive agents, one or more macrocyclic lactones, one or more spinosyncompounds, one or more spinosoid compounds, a benzimidazole, levamisole,pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or moreamino acetonitrile active agent, one or more insect growth regulators,one or more neonicotinoids or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylaminoactive agents, or a combination of thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, one or more macrocyclic lactonesor lactams, which act as an acaricide, an anthelmintic agent and/or aninsecticide, can be included in the compositions of the invention. Themacrocyclic lactone active agents are very potent and may be includedalone in the compositions or in combination with one or more isoxazolineactive agents, one or more spinosyn compounds, one or more spinosoidcompounds, a benzimidazole, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agent, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoids or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino activeagents, or a combination of thereof. Furthermore, in one embodiment, theoral veterinary compositions of the invention may comprise a combinationof two or more macrocyclic lactone active agents, alone or incombination with other systemically-acting active agents. For theavoidance of doubt, the term “macrocyclic lactone” as used hereinincludes both naturally occurring and synthetic or semi-syntheticavermectin and milbemycin compounds.

The macrocyclic lactones that may be used in the compositions of theinvention include, but are not limited to, the naturally producedavermectins (e.g. including the components designated as A₁a, A₁b, A₂a,A₂b, B₁a, B₁b, B₂a and B₂b) and milbemycin compounds, semisyntheticavermectins and milbemycins, avermectin monosaccharide compounds andavermectin aglycone compounds. Examples of macrocyclic lactone compoundsthat may be used in the compositions include, but are not limited to,abamectin, dimadectin, doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin,latidectin, lepimectin, selamectin, ML-1,694,554 and milbemycinsincluding, but not limited to, milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃,milbemycin A₄, milbemycin oxime, moxidectin and nemadectin. Alsoincluded are the 5-oxo and 5-oxime derivatives of said avermectins andmilbemycins.

The macrocyclic lactone compounds are known in the art and can easily beobtained commercially or through synthesis techniques known in the art.Reference is made to the widely available technical and commercialliterature. For avermectins, ivermectin and abamectin, reference may bemade, for example, to the work “Ivermectin and Abamectin”, 1989, by M.H. Fischer and H. Mrozik, William C. Campbell, published by SpringerVerlag., or Albers-Schonberg et al. (1981), “Avermectins StructureDetermination”, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 103, 4216-4221. For doramectin,“Veterinary Parasitology”, vol. 49, No. 1, July 1993, 5-15 may beconsulted. For milbemycins, reference may be made, inter alia, to DaviesH. G. et al., 1986, “Avermectins and Milbemycins”, Nat. Prod. Rep., 3,87-121, Mrozik H. et al., 1983, Synthesis of Milbemycins fromAvermectins, Tetrahedron Lett., 24, 5333-5336, U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,973and EP 0 677 054, both incorporated herein by reference.

The structure of the avermectins and milbemycins are closely related,e.g., by sharing a complex 16-membered macrocyclic lactone ring. Thenatural product avermectins are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,519 andthe 22,23-dihydro avermectin compounds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,199,569. Mention is also made of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,468,390, 5,824,653,EP 0 007 812 A1, U.K. Patent Specification 1 390 336, EP 0 002 916, andNew Zealand Patent No. 237 086, inter alia. Naturally occurringmilbemycins are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,360 as well as in thevarious references cited in “The Merck Index” 12^(th) ed., S. Budavari,Ed., Merck & Co., Inc. Whitehouse Station, New Jersey (1996). Latidectinis described in the “International Nonproprietary Names forPharmaceutical Substances (INN)”, WHO Drug Information, vol. 17, no. 4,pp. 263-286, (2003). Semisynthetic derivatives of these classes ofcompounds are well known in the art and are described, for example, inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,077,308, 4,859,657, 4,963,582, 4,855,317, 4,871,719,4,874,749, 4,427,663, 4,310,519, 4,199,569, 5,055,596, 4,973,711,4,978,677, 4,920,148 and EP 0 667 054, all incorporated herein byreference.

In one embodiment, the oral veterinary compositions of the invention,including soft chewable compositions and chewable tablet compositions,comprise an effective amount of at least one of abamectin, dimadectin,doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, latidectin, lepimectin,selamectin, milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃, milbemycin A₄,milbemycin oxime, moxidectin or nemadectin, or a combination thereof. Inanother embodiment, the invention provides a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising an effective amount of at least one of abamectin,emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, doramectin or selamectin, or acombination thereof. In still another embodiment, the soft chewableveterinary compositions of the invention comprise an effective amount ofat least one of ivermectin, milbemectin, milbemycin oxime or moxidectin,or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, oral veterinary compositions comprising at leastone isoxazoline active agent in combination with abamectin, dimadectin,doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, latidectin, lepimectin,selamectin, milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃, milbemycin A₄,milbemycin oxime, moxidectin or nemadectin, or a combination thereof,are provided. In still another embodiment, oral veterinary compositionscomprising at least one isoxazoline active agent in combination withabamectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, doramectin orselamectin, or a combination thereof, are provided.

In yet another embodiment, soft chewable veterinary compositionscomprising at least one isoxazoline active agent of formula (I), formula(II), formula (III) or formula (IV) in combination with an effectiveamount of ivermectin, milbemectin, milbemycin oxime or moxidectin, or acombination thereof, are provided.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising an effective amount of at least one of CompoundA, Compound B, Compound 1.001 to 1.025 or Compound 2.001 to 2.018 incombination with an effective amount of abamectin, dimadectin,doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, latidectin, lepimectin,selamectin, milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃, milbemycin A₄,milbemycin oxime, moxidectin or nemadectin, or a combination thereof. Inanother embodiment, the invention provides a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising an effective amount of at least one of CompoundA, Compound B, Compound 1.001 to 1.025 or Compound 2.001 to 2.018 incombination with an effective amount of abamectin, emamectin,eprinomectin, ivermectin, doramectin or selamectin, or a combinationthereof. In still another embodiment, the invention provides a softchewable veterinary composition comprising an effective amount of atleast one of Compound A, Compound B, Compound 1.001 to 1.025 or Compound2.001 to 2.018 in combination with an effective amount of at least oneof ivermectin, milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃, milbemycin A₄,milbemycin oxime, moxidectin or nemadectin, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the chewable veterinary compositions may comprise acombination of at least one isoxazoline active agent with two differentmacrocyclic lactone active agents.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a soft chewableveterinary composition comprising an effective amount of Compound A incombination with an effective amount of abamectin, emamectin,eprinomectin, ivermectin or selamectin, or a combination thereof. In yetanother embodiment, the invention provides a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising an effective amount of Compound A in combinationwith an effective amount of ivermectin, milbemycin oxime or moxidectin,or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, a composition comprising a classof acaricides or insecticides known as insect growth regulators (IGRs)are provided. The IGR active agents may be included in the oralveterinary compositions of the invention. The IGR active agents may beincluded in the composition alone, or in combination with at least oneisoxazoline active agent or another systemically-acting active agentdescribed herein including, but not limited to, one or more macrocycliclactones, one or more spinosyn compounds, one or more spinosoidcompounds, a benzimidazole, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agent, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoids or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino activeagents, or a combination of thereof. Compounds belonging to this groupare well known to the practitioner and represent a wide range ofdifferent chemical classes. These compounds all act by interfering withthe development or growth of the insect pests. Insect growth regulatorsare described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,748,356, 3,818,047,4,225,598, 4,798,837, 4,751,225, EP 0 179 022 or U.K. 2 140 010 as wellas U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,096,329 and 6,685,954 (all incorporated herein byreference).

In one embodiment the compositions of the invention may include an IGRcompound that mimics juvenile hormone or that modulates levels ofjuvenile hormones in insects. Examples of juvenile hormone mimicsinclude azadirachtin, diofenolan, fenoxycarb, hydroprene, kinoprene,methoprene, pyriproxyfen, tetrahydroazadirachtin and4-chloro-2(2-chloro-2-methyl-propyl)-5-(6-iodo-3-pyridylmethoxy)pyridazine-3(2H)-one.In another embodiment, the compositions of the invention comprise anisoxazoline compound in combination with methoprene or pyriproxyfen anda pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In another embodiment, the compositions of the invention include an IGRcompound that is a chitin synthesis inhibitor. Chitin synthesisinhibitors include chlorofluazuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron,fluazuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumoron, lufenuron,tebufenozide, teflubenzuron, triflumoron,1-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-3-(2-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylurea,1-(2,6-difluoro-benzoyl)-3-(2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)-phenylureaand 1-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-3-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl)phenylurea.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention may include oneor more antinematodal agents including, but not limited to, activeagents in the benzimidazoles, imidazothiazoles, tetrahydropyrimidinesand the organophosphate class of compounds. In some embodiments,benzimidazoles including, but not limited to, thiabendazole,cambendazole, parbendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole, flubendazole,fenbendazole, oxfendazole, albendazole, cyclobendazole, febantel,thiophanate and its o,o-dimethyl analogue may be included in thecompositions. The aforementioned active agents may be included in thecompositions alone or in combination with other systemically-actingparasiticides described herein including, but not limited to, one ormore isoxazoline active agents, one or more macrocyclic lactone activeagents, one or more spinosyn or spinosoid compounds, levamisole,pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or moreamino acetonitrile active agents, one or more insect growth regulators,one or more neonicotinoids or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylaminoactive agents, or a combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the compositions may include an imidazothiazolecompounds including, but not limited to, tetramisole, levamisole andbutamisole, alone or in combination with one or more systemically-activeactive agents described herein including, but not limited to, one ormore isoxazoline active agents, one or more macrocyclic lactone activeagents, one or more spinosyn or spinosoid compounds, one or morebenzimidazole agents including thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole,fenbendazole, oxfendazole, albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel;pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or moreamino acetonitrile active agents, one or more insect growth regulators,one or more neonicotinoids and one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination thereof.

In still other embodiments, the compositions of the invention mayinclude tetrahydropyrimidine active agents including, but not limitedto, pyrantel, oxantel, and morantel, alone or in combination with one ormore systemically-acting active agents including, but not limited to,one or more isoxazoline active agents, one or more macrocyclic lactoneactive agents, one or more spinosyn or spinosoid compounds, one or morebenzimidazole agents including thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole,fenbendazole, oxfendazole, albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel;levamisole, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more aminoacetonitrile active agents, one or more insect growth regulators, one ormore neonicotinoids and one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylaminoactive agents, or a combination thereof.

Suitable organophosphate active agents include, but are not limited to,coumaphos, trichlorfon, haloxon, naftalofos and dichlorvos, heptenophos,mevinphos, monocrotophos, TEPP, and tetrachlorvinphos.

In other embodiments, the compositions may include the antinematodalcompounds phenothiazine, piperazine as the neutral compound and invarious salt forms, diethylcarbamazine, phenols such as disophenol,arsenicals such as arsenamide, ethanolamines such as bephenium, theniumclosylate, and methyridine; cyanine dyes including pyrvinium chloride,pyrvinium pamoate and dithiazanine iodide; isothiocyanates includingbitoscanate, suramin sodium, phthalofyne, and various natural productsincluding, but not limited to, hygromycin B, α-santonin and kainic acid.These antinematodal active agents may be included in the compositionsalone or in combination one or more of the systemically-actingparasiticides described herein.

In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may includeantitrematodal agents. Suitable antitrematodal agents include, but arenot limited to, the miracils such as miracil D and mirasan;praziquantel, clonazepam and its 3-methyl derivative, oltipraz,lucanthone, hycanthone, oxamniquine, amoscanate, niridazole, nitroxynil,various bisphenol compounds known in the art including hexachlorophene,bithionol, bithionol sulfoxide and menichlopholan; varioussalicylanilide compounds including tribromsalan, oxyclozanide,clioxanide, rafoxanide, nitroxynil, brotianide, bromoxanide andclosantel; triclabendazole, diamfenetide, clorsulon, hetolin andemetine.

Anticestodal compounds may also be advantageously used in thecompositions of the invention including, but not limited to, arecolinein various salt forms, bunamidine, niclosamide, nitroscanate,paromomycin, paromomycin II, praziquantel and epsiprantel.

The antinematodal, antitrematodal and anticestodal active agentsdescribed above may be included in the compositions alone or incombination with one or more of the systemically-acting active agentsdescribed herein including, but not limited to, one or more isoxazolineactive agents, one or more macrocyclic lactone active agents, one ormore spinosyn or spinosoid active agents, one or more benzimidazoleagents including thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole, fenbendazole,oxfendazole, albendazole and febantel; levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,one or more amino acetonitrile active agent, one or more insect growthregulators, one or more neonicotinoids and one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination thereof.

In yet other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may includeother active agents that are effective against arthropod parasites.Suitable active agents include, but are not limited to, bromocyclen,chlordane, DDT, endosulfan, lindane, methoxychlor, toxaphene, bromophos,bromophos-ethyl, carbophenothion, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos,crotoxyphos, cythioate, diazinon, dichlorenthion, diemthoate,dioxathion, ethion, famphur, fenitrothion, fenthion, fospirate,iodofenphos, malathion, naled, phosalone, phosmet, phoxim, propetamphos,ronnel, stirofos, allethrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin,fenvalerate, flucythrinate, permethrin, phenothrin, pyrethrins,resmethrin, benzyl benzoate, carbon disulfide, crotamiton,diflubenzuron, diphenylamine, disulfiram, isobornyl thiocyanato acetate,methoprene, monosulfiram, pirenonylbutoxide, rotenone, triphenyltinacetate, triphenyltin hydroxide, deet, dimethyl phthalate, and thecompounds 1,5a,6,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-4a(4H)-dibenzofurancarboxaldehyde(MGK-11),2-(2-ethylhexyl)-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methano-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)dione(MGK-264), dipropyl-2,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (MGK-326) and2-(octylthio)ethanol (MGK-874).

In another embodiment, an antiparasitic agent that can be included inthe soft chewable veterinary composition can be a biologically activepeptide or protein including, but not limited to, depsipeptides, whichact at the neuromuscular junction by stimulating presynaptic receptorsbelonging to the secretin receptor family resulting in the paralysis anddeath of parasites. In one embodiment of the depsipeptide, thedepsipeptide is emodepside (see Wilson et al., Parasitology, January2003, 126(Pt 1):79-86).

In another embodiment, the compositions of the invention may comprise anactive agent from the neonicotinoid class of parasiticides. Theneonicotinoids bind and inhibit insect specific nicotinic acetylcholinereceptors. In one embodiment, the neonicotinoid insecticidal agent thatcan be combined with an isoxazoline compound to form a topicalcomposition of the invention is imidacloprid. Agents of this class aredescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,060 or in EP 0 892 060(both incorporated herein by reference). In another embodiment, thecompositions of the invention may comprise nitenpyram, another activeagent of the neonicotinoid class of pesticides. The use of nitenpyramfor controlling fleas is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,548, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The neonicotinoidactive agents may be included in the compositions alone, or incombination with one or more of the other systemically-acting activeagents described herein including, but not limited to, one or moreisoxazoline active agents, one or more macrocyclic lactone activeagents, one or more spinosyn or spinosoid active agents, one or morebenzimidazole agents including thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole,fenbendazole, oxfendazole, albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel;levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, oneor more amino acetonitrile active agents, one or more insect growthregulators and one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents,or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the soft chewablecompositions of the invention comprise the isoxazoline Compound A incombination with nitenpyram and/or imidacloprid.

In other certain embodiments of the invention, an insecticidal agentthat can be combined with the compositions of the invention is asemicarbazone, such as metaflumizone.

In another embodiment, the compositions of the invention mayadvantageously include a mixture of one or more other isoxazolinecompounds known in the art, in addition to or in place of theisoxazoline active agents described above. These active agents aredescribed in US 2010/0254960 A1, US2011/0159107, US2012/0309620,US2012/0030841, US2010/0069247, WO 2007/125984, WO 2012/086462, U.S.Pat. No. 8,318,757, US 2011/0144349, U.S. Pat. No. 8,053,452; US2010/0137612, US 2010/0254959, US 2011/152081, WO 2012/089623, WO2012/089622, U.S. Pat. No. 8,119,671; U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,715; WO2102/120135, WO 2012/107533, WO 2011/157748, US 2011/0245274, US2011/0245239, US 2012/0232026, US 2012/0077765, US 2012/0035122, US2011/0251247, WO 2011/154433, WO 2011/154434, US 2012/0238517, US2011/0166193, WO 2011/104088, WO 2011/104087, WO 2011/104089, US2012/015946, US 2009/0143410, WO 2007/123855 A2, US 2011/0118212, U.S.Pat. No. 7,951,828 & U.S. Pat. No. 7,662,972, US 2010/0137372 A1, US2010/0179194 A2, US 2011/0086886 A2, US 2011/0059988 A1, US 2010/0179195A1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,897,630, U.S. Pat. No. 7,951,828 and U.S. Pat. No.7,662,972, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

In another embodiment of the invention, nodulisporic acid and itsderivatives may be added to the compositions of the invention. Thesecompounds are used to treat or prevent infections in humans and animalsand are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,582, 5,962,499,6,221,894 and 6,399,786, all of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety. The compositions may include one or more ofthe known nodulisporic acid derivatives in the art, including allstereoisomers, such as those described in the literature cited above.

In another embodiment, anthelmintic compounds of the amino acetonitrileclass (AAD) of compounds such as monepantel (ZOLVIX) and the like may beadded to the compositions of the invention. These compounds aredescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,084,280 to Ducray et al.(incorporated herein by reference); Sager et al., VeterinaryParasitology, 2009, 159, 49-54; Kaminsky et al., Nature vol. 452, 13Mar. 2008, 176-181. The AAD class of compounds may be included in theoral veterinary compositions of the invention alone or in combinationwith one or more of the systemically-acting parasiticides describedherein including, but not limited to, one or more isoxazoline activeagents, one or more macrocyclic lactone active agents, one or morespinosyn or spinosoid active agents, one or more benzimidazole agentsincluding thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole, fenbendazole,oxfendazole, albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel; levamisole,pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or moreinsect growth regulators, one or more neonicotinoid active agents andone or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents, or acombination thereof.

The compositions of the invention may also include aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino compounds such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.8,088,801 to Soll et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, andthioamide derivatives of these compounds, as described in U.S. Pat. No.7,964,621 to Le Hir de Fallois, which is also incorporated herein byreference. Aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents, which aresystemically-acting against endoparasites may be used alone in the oralveterinary compositions of the invention or in some embodiments incombination with one or more systemically-acting active agents describedherein including, but not limited to, one or more isoxazoline activeagents, one or more macrocyclic lactone active agents, one or morespinosyn or spinosoid active agents, one or more benzimidazole agentsincluding thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole, fenbendazole,oxfendazole, albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel, or anthelminticsof other classes including levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel,closantel, clorsulon, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoid active agents and one or more amino acetonitrile activeagents (AAD), or a combination thereof.

The compositions of the invention may also include paraherquamidecompounds and derivatives of these compounds, including derquantel (seeOstlind et al., Research in Veterinary Science, 1990, 48, 260-61; andOstlind et al., Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 1997, 11, 407-408).The paraherquamide family of compounds is a known class of compoundsthat include a spirodioxepino indole core with activity against certainparasites (see Tett. Lett. 1981, 22, 135; J. Antibiotics 1990, 43, 1380,and J. Antibiotics 1991, 44, 492). In addition, the structurally relatedmarcfortine family of compounds, such as marcfortines A-C, are alsoknown and may be combined with the formulations of the invention (see J.Chem. Soc.-Chem. Comm. 1980, 601 and Tet. Lett. 1981, 22, 1977). Furtherreferences to the paraherquamide derivatives can be found, for example,in WO 91/09961, WO 92/22555, WO 97/03988, WO 01/076370, WO 09/004432 andUS 2010/0197624, U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,078 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,695,all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Inone embodiment, the paraherquamide and/or marcfortine active agents maybe included in the oral veterinary compositions of the invention alone.In other embodiments, the paraherquamide and/or marcfortine activeagents may be combined with at least one additional systemically-actingactive agents described herein including, but not limited to, one ormore isoxazoline active agents, one or more macrocyclic lactone activeagents, one or more spinosyn or spinosoid compounds, one or morebenzimidazole agents including thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole,fenbendazole, oxfendazole, albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel, oranthelmintics of other classes including levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agents, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoid active agents or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, the compositions may include aspinosyn active agent produced by the soil actinomyceteSaccharopolyspora spinosa (see, for example Salgado V. L. and Sparks T.C., “The Spinosyns: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mode of Action, andResistance,” in Comprehensive Molecular Insect Science, vol. 6, pp.137-173, 2005) or a semi-synthetic spinosoid active agent. The spinosynsare typically referred to as factors or components A, B, C, D, E, F, G,H, J, K, L, M, N, 0, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, or Y, and any of thesecomponents, or a combination thereof, may be used in the compositions ofthe invention. The spinosyn compound may be a 5,6,5-tricylic ringsystem, fused to a 12-membered macro cyclic lactone, a neutral sugar(rhamnose), and an amino sugar (forosamine). These and other naturalspinosyn compounds, including 21-butenyl spinosyn produced bySaccharopolyspora pagona, which may be used in the compositions of theinvention, may be produced via fermentation by conventional techniquesknown in the art. Other spinosyn compounds that may be used in thecompositions of the invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,496,931;5,670,364; 5,591,606; 5,571,901; 5,202,242; 5,767,253; 5,840,861;5,670,486; 5,631,155 and 6,001,981, all incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety. The spinosyn compounds may include, but are notlimited to, spinosyn A, spinosyn D, spinosad, spinetoram, orcombinations thereof. Spinosad is a combination of spinosyn A andspinosyn D, and spinetoram is a combination of 3′-ethoxy-5,6-dihydrospinosyn J and 3′-ethoxy spinosyn L.

In one embodiment, oral veterinary compositions, including soft chewablecompositions and chewable tablet compositions, comprising a spinosynand/or a spinosoid active agent, are provided. In some embodiments, thecompositions may contain a combination of two or more spinosyn and/orspinosoid active agents. For example, in one embodiment, thecompositions may include spinosad, which is a combination of spinosyn Aand spinosyn D. Other combinations are also contemplated. In anotherembodiment, the compositions may include a spinosyn and/or a spinosoidactive agent, or a combination thereof, in combination with one or moreadditional systemically-acting active agents described herein including,but not limited to, one or more isoxazoline active agents, one or moremacrocyclic lactone active agents, one or more benzimidazole agentsincluding thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole, fenbendazole,oxfendazole, albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel, or anthelminticsof other classes including levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel,closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrile active agents, oneor more insect growth regulators, one or more neonicotinoid activeagents or an aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agent, or acombination thereof In general, the systemically-acting active agent(other than an isoxazoline active agent of formula (I), (II), (III) or(IV) described above) is included in the dosage units of the inventionin an amount of between about 0.1 μg and about 1000 mg. Typically, theactive agent may be included in an amount of about 10 μg to about 500mg, about 10 μg to about 400 mg, about 1 mg to about 300 mg, about 10 mgto about 200 mg or about 10 mg to about 100 mg. More typically theactive agent will be present in an amount of about 5 mg to about 50 mgin the compositions of the invention.

The concentration of systemically-acting active agents (other than anisoxazoline active agent of formula (I), (II), (III) or (IV) describedabove) in the soft chewable compositions of the invention will typicallybe from about 0.01% to about 30% (w/w) depending on the potency of theactive agent. In certain embodiments for very potent active agentsincluding, but not limited to a macrocyclic lactone active agent, theconcentration of the active agent will typically be from about 0.01% toabout 10% (w/w), from about 0.01 to about 1% (w/w), from about 0.01% toabout 0.5% (w/w), from about 0.1% to about 0.5% (w/w) or from about0.01% to about 0.1% (w/w). In other embodiments, the concentration ofthe active agent will typically be from about 0.1% to about 2% (w/w) orabout 0.1% to about 1% (w/w).

In other embodiments, the systemically-acting active agent (other thanan isoxazoline active agent of formula (I), (II), (III) or (IV)described above) will typically be present at higher concentrations toachieve the desired efficacy. In some embodiments, the active agent willbe present in a concentration of about 1% to about 30% (w/w), about 1%to about 20% (w/w) or about 1% to about 15% (w/w). In still otherembodiments, the active agent will be present in a concentration ofabout 5% to about 20% (w/w) or about 5% to about 15% (w/w) in thecomposition.

In various embodiments of the invention, a systemically-acting activeagent (other than an isoxazoline active agent of formula (I), (II),(III) or (IV) described above) may be included in the composition todeliver a dose of about 0.001 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kgto about 50 mg/kg of body weight of the animal. In other embodiments,the active agent will typically be present in an amount sufficient todeliver a dose of about 0.05 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.1 mg/kg toabout 20 mg/kg. In other embodiments, the active agent will be presentin an amount sufficient to deliver a dose of about 0.1 mg/kg to about 10mg/kg, about 0.1 mg/kg to about 1 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 50mg/kg per body weight of the animal.

In certain embodiments of the invention where the systemically-actingactive agent is a very potent compound such as a macrocyclic lactone orother potent compounds, the active agent will be present in aconcentration to provide a dose of about 0.001 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg,about 0.001 mg/kg to about 0.1 mg/kg or about 0.001 mg/kg to about 0.01mg/kg. In still other embodiments, the active agent is present in anamount sufficient to deliver a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 2 mg/kgor about 0.1 mg/kg to about 1 mg/kg per body weight of the animal. Instill other embodiments, the additional active agent may be present inan amount to deliver a dose of about 1 μg/kg to about 200 μg/kg or about0.1 mg/kg to about 1 mg/kg of weight of animal.

Endoparasiticidal Compositions In one embodiment of the invention, softchewable veterinary compositions comprising one or moresystemically-acting active agents that are active against internalparasites are provided. In this embodiment, the compositions willprovide a high level of efficacy against roundworms, whipworms andhookworms while also preventing development of heartworm. In oneembodiment, the active agent is a macrocyclic lactone active agent or acombination of two or more macrocyclic lactones. In another embodiment,the active agent is one or more benzimidazole active agents including,but not limited to, thiabendazole, cambendazole, parbendazole,oxibendazole, mebendazole, flubendazole, fenbendazole, oxfendazole,albendazole, cyclobendazole, febantel, thiophanate and its o,o-dimethylanalogue; levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel,clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrile active agents or one or morearyloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination ofthereof.

In another embodiment, the invention provides soft chewable compositionscomprising one or more macrocyclic lactones in combination with one ormore benzimidazole active agents, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agents or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino activeagents, or a combination of thereof. In still another embodiment, theinvention provides soft chewable compositions comprising abamectin,dimadectin, doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, latidectin,lepimectin, selamectin, milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃,milbemycin A₄, milbemycin oxime, moxidectin or nemadectin, or acombination thereof. In another embodiment, the invention provides softchewable compositions comprising abamectin, emamectin, eprinomectin,ivermectin, doramectin or selamectin, or a combination thereof. In stillanother embodiment, soft chewable compositions comprising ivermectin,milbemycin oxime or moxidectin, or a combination thereof, are provided.

In another embodiment, soft chewable compositions comprising acombination of abamectin, dimadectin, doramectin, emamectin,eprinomectin, ivermectin, latidectin, lepimectin, selamectin,milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃, milbemycin A₄, milbemycinoxime, moxidectin or nemadectin, or a combination thereof, with one ormore benzimidazole active agents, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agents or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino activeagents, or a combination of thereof, are provided. In anotherembodiment, the invention provides soft chewable compositions comprisingivermectin, milbemycin oxime or moxidectin, or a combination thereof, incombination with one or more benzimidazole active agents, levamisole,pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or moreamino acetonitrile active agents or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides soft chewablecompositions comprising ivermectin, milbemycin oxime or moxidectin, or acombination thereof, with praziquantel, pyrantel, febantel orlevamisole. In yet another embodiment, soft chewable compositionscomprising ivermectin, milbemycin oxime or moxidectin, or a combinationthereof, in combination with praziquantel, one or more benzimidazoleactive agents or pyrantel, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the endoparasiticidal compositions may include acombination of an isoxazoline active agent in combination with one ormore macrocyclic lactone active agents, a benzimidazole, levamisole,pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or moreamino acetonitrile active agents, or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof.

In another embodiment, the invention provides compositions activeagainst both endoparasites and ectoparasites comprising at least oneisoxazoline compound of formula (I), (II), (III) or (IV) in combinationwith abamectin, dimadectin, doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin,ivermectin, latidectin, lepimectin, selamectin, milbemectin, milbemycinD, milbemycin A₃, milbemycin A₄, milbemycin oxime, moxidectin ornemadectin, or a combination thereof, and optionally with a furthersystemically-active endoparasiticide selected from one or morebenzimidazole active agents, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agents and one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino activeagents, or a combination of thereof. In another embodiment, theinvention provides compositions comprising at least one isoxazolinecompound of formula (A), (B), Compound 1.001-1.025 or Compound2.001-2.018 in combination with abamectin, dimadectin, doramectin,emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, latidectin, lepimectin, selamectin,milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃, milbemycin A₄, milbemycinoxime, moxidectin or nemadectin, or a combination thereof. In stillanother embodiment, the invention provides soft chewable compositionscomprising Compound A in combination with ivermectin, milbemycin oximeor moxidectin, or a combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, theinvention provides soft chewable compositions comprising Compound A incombination with ivermectin, milbemycin oxime or moxidectin, or acombination thereof, and with one or more benzimidazole active agents,levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, oneor more amino acetonitrile active agents or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof. In anotherembodiment, the invention provides soft chewable compositions comprisingCompound A in combination with ivermectin, milbemycin oxime ormoxidectin, or a combination thereof, and with pyrantel, praziquantel,febantel, or a combination of thereof.

In some embodiments, the endoparasiticidal compositions comprising oneor more macrocyclic lactones alone or in combination with an isoxazolineactive agent will provide an efficacy of at least about 90% againstroundworm (Toxocara canis), whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) or hookworm(Ancylostoma caninum) while also preventing development of heartwormsand controlling ectoparasites (e.g. fleas and ticks) with a high levelof efficacy, as described above. In another embodiment, the compositionsof the invention comprising one or more macrocyclic lactone activeagents alone or in combination with an isoxazoline active agent willprovide an efficacy of at least about 95% against roundworm (Toxocaracanis), whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) or hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum).In still another embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of theinvention may provide an efficacy of up to 100% against Dirofilariaimmitis (heartworm) while also controlling fleas and ticks with a highlevel of efficacy (see above). Thus, administration of the soft chewablecompositions of the invention comprising one or more macrocycliclactones in combination with an isoxazoline active agent will preventheartworm disease and control endoparasite infections while alsocontrolling ectoparasites (e.g. fleas and ticks).

Formulations

In one embodiment of the invention, the soft chewable veterinarycompositions are in the form of a soft chewable formulation (“softchew”) which is palatable and acceptable to the animal. In addition tothe active ingredient(s), the soft chews of the invention may includeone or more of the following components: a solvent or mixture ofsolvents, one or more fillers, one or more binders, one or moresurfactants, one or more humectants, one or more lubricants, one or moredisintegrants, one or more colorants, one or more antimicrobial agents,one or more antioxidants, one or more pH modifiers and one or moreflavoring agents.

Preferably, the components of the oral veterinary compositions will beclassified as food grade quality or higher (e.g. USP or NF grade). Theterm “food grade” is used to refer to material that is suitable forconsumption by animals and will not contain chemical or other agentsthat are hazardous to the health of the animal. Thus, a food gradecomponent, if of animal origin, will be prepared to substantially reduceor eliminate the presence of infectious agents or contaminants byprocesses known in the art such as pasteurization, filtration,pressurization or irradiation. More preferably, the components of thesoft chewable veterinary compositions of the invention will not be ofanimal origin to avoid transmission of infective agents.

Solvents that may be used in the compositions of the invention include,but are not limited to, various grades of liquid polyethylene glycol(PEG) including PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG 400 and PEG 540; propylenecarbonate; propylene glycol; triglycerides including, but not limited tocaprylic/capric triglyceride, caprylic/capric/linoleic triglyceride(e.g. MIGLYOL® 810 and 812, caprylic/capric/succinic triglyceride,propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, and the like; water, sorbitolsolution, glycerol caprylate/caprate and polyglycolized glycerides(GELUCIRE®), or a combination thereof.

Solvents may be included in the compositions in concentrations of about1 to about 50% (w/w). In other embodiments, the concentration of thesolvents will be from about 1 to about 40% (w/w), about 1 to about 30%(w/w) or about 1 to about 20% (w/w). More typically, the solvents willbe in the compositions at concentrations of about 5% to about 20% (w/w)or about 5% to about 15% (w/w).

Various fillers known in the art may be used in the soft chewablecompositions of the invention. Fillers include, but are not limited to,corn starch, pre-gelatinized corn starch, soy protein fines, corn cob,and corn gluten meal, and the like. In some embodiments, a combinationof two or more fillers may be used in the compositions.

The starch component may comprise starch from any source and may act asa binder in the soft chew. In one embodiment, the starch component usedin the compositions is unmodified. In another embodiment, the starchcomponent is derivatized and/or pregelatinized. In another embodiment,the starch component is highly derivatized. Some starches that can serveas a base starch for derivatization include regular corn, waxy corn,potato, tapioca, rice, etc. Suitable types of derivatizing agents forthe starch include, but are not limited to, ethylene oxide, propyleneoxide, acetic anhydride, and succinic anhydride, and other food approvedesters or ethers, introducing such chemicals alone or in combinationwith one another.

In various embodiments, prior cross-linking of the starch in the starchcomponent may or may not be necessary, based on the pH of the system andthe temperature used to form the product.

The starch component may also include amylaceous ingredients. Theamylaceous ingredients can be gelatinized or cooked before or during theforming step to achieve the desired matrix characteristics. Ifgelatinized starch is used, it may be possible to prepare the product ofthe subject invention or perform the process of the subject inventionwithout heating or cooking. However, ungelatinized (ungelled) oruncooked starch may also be used.

Fillers are typically present in the compositions at a concentration ofabout 5% to about 80% (w/w), about 10% to about 70% (w/w), about 10% toabout 60%, about 10% to about 50% (w/w), or about 10% to about 40%(w/w). More typically, the fillers may be present at concentrations ofabout 30% to about 70%, about 30% to about 60%, about 30% to about 50%or about 35% to about 55%.

Binders that may be used in the compositions of the invention include,but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone (e.g. Povidone),cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (Crospovidone), polyethylene glycolsof various grades including PEG 3350, PEG 4000, PEG 6000, PEG 8000 andeven PEG 20,000, and the like; co-polymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylacetate (e.g. Copovidone) such as the product sold by BASF by thetradename Kollidon® VA 64 and the like; starch such as potato starch,tapioca starch or corn starch; molasses, corn syrup, honey, maple syrupand sugars of various types; or a combination of two or more binders. Inone embodiment, the composition comprises the binders Povidone K30 LPand PEG 3350 or PEG 4000, or a combination thereof. Binders aretypically present in the compositions at a concentration of about 1% toabout 30% (w/w). More typically, the compositions will include bindersat a concentration of about 1% to about 20% (w/w), about 1 to about 15%(w/w), about 1% to about 10% (w/w), about 5% to about 15% (w/w) or about5% to about 10% (w/w).

Humectants that may be used in the compositions include, but are notlimited to, glycerol (also referred to herein as glycerin), propyleneglycol, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate, and the like.Polyethylene glycols of various grades may also be used as humectants.

In some embodiments, the humectant may comprise more than one oilincluding, but not limited to, fat or fats, both natural and synthetic.Oil employed as an ingredient in the soft chew may be a saturated orunsaturated liquid fatty acid, its glyceride derivatives or fatty acidderivatives of plant or animal origin or a mixture thereof. A source fortypical animal fats or oils are fish oil, chicken fat, tallow, choicewhite grease, prime steam lard and mixtures thereof. However, otheranimal fats are also suitable for use in the soft chew. Suitable sourcesfor vegetable fats or oils can be derived palm oil, palm hydrogenatedoil, corn germ hydrogenated oil, castor hydrogenated oil, cotton-seedoil, soybean oil, olive oil, peanut oil, palm olein oil, Cacao fat,margarine, butter, shortening and palm stearin oil, and mixturesthereof. Additionally, a mixture of animal or vegetable oils or fats issuitable for use in the matrix.

Humectants may typically present in the compositions at a concentrationof about 1% to about 25% (w/w). Typically, the concentration of thehumectant in the composition of the invention will be 1% to about 20%(w/w), about 1% to about 15% (w/w) or about 5% to about 15% (w/w). Moretypically, the compositions of the invention will contain about 1% toabout 10% (w/w) humectant.

Surfactants may be present in the composition at concentrations of about0.1% to about 10% (w/w), about 1% to about 10% (w/w) or about 5% toabout 10% (w/w). More typically, surfactants may be present atconcentrations of about 0.1% to about 5% (w/w) or about 1 to about 5%(w/w). Examples of surfactants that may be used in the compositionsinclude, but are not limited to, glyceryl monooleate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan fatty acid esters, sorbitan esters including sorbitanmonooleate (Span® 20), polyvinyl alcohol, polysorbates includingpolysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80, d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol1000 succinate (TPGS), sodium lauryl sulfate, co-polymers of ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide (e.g. poloxomers such as LUTROL® F87 and thelike), polyethylene glycol castor oil derivatives including polyoxyl 35castor oil (Cremophor® EL), polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil(Cremophor® RH 40), polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil (Cremophor®RH60); propylene glycol monolaurate (LAUROGLYCOL®); glyceride estersincluding glycerol caprylate/caprate (CAPMUL® MCM), polyglycolizedglycerides (GELUCIRE®), PEG 300 caprylic/capric glycerides (Softigen®767), PEG 400 caprylic/capric glycerides (Labrasol®), PEG 300 oleicglycerides (Labrafil® M-1944CS), PEG 300 linoleic glycerides (Labrafil®M-2125CS); polyethylene glycol stearates and polyethylene glycol hydroxystearates including polyoxyl 8 stearate (PEG 400 monostearate), polyoxyl40 stearate (PEG 1750 monostearate, and the like. Polyethylene glycolstearates (synonyms include macrogol stearates, polyoxylstearates,polyoxyethylene stearates, ethoxylated stearates; CAS No. 9004-99-3,9005-08-7) are mixtures of mono- and distearate esters of mixedpolyoxyethylene polymers. Polyethylene glycol hydroxystearate is amixture of mono- and diesters of hydroxystearic acid with polyethyleneglycols. One polyethylene glycol hydroxystearate that may be used in thecompositions is polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate. In anotherembodiment, the compositions may include the surfactant polyethyleneglycol 15 12-hydroxystearate (Solutol® HS 15 from BASF), a mixture ofmono- and diesters of 12-hydroxystearic acid with 15 moles of ethyleneoxide. Again, these compounds, as well as their amounts are well knownin the art. In another embodiment of the invention, the compositions mayinclude polyoxyl 35 castor oil (Cremophor® EL) as a surfactant. In otherembodiments, the chewable compositions may include polyoxyl 40hydrogenated castor oil (Cremophor® RH 40) or polyoxyl 60 hydrogenatedcastor oil (Cremophor® RH60) as surfactants. The compositions of theinvention may also include a combination of surfactants.

The type and nature of the surfactant has been found to be veryimportant in keeping the active agent(s) in solution after ingestion anddissolution of the oral compositions. This is particularly important forobtaining the very high bioavailability observed from the inventive oralcompositions. However, it has been found that inclusion of certainsurfactants with the veterinary dosage forms adversely affect thepalatability of the dosage form, resulting in low acceptance by theanimals treated. In one embodiment, polyethylene glycol 15hydroxystearate, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil or polyoxyl 60hydrogenated castor oil, are effective for solubilizing active agentswith low water solubility including, but not limited to, isoxazolineactive agents and the like, after ingestion by the animal while alsomaintaining the palatability of the oral dosage form. Thus, in oneembodiment of the invention, the oral veterinary compositions comprisePolyethylene glycol 15 hydroxystearate, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castoroil or polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil. In another embodiment of theinvention, the veterinary soft chewable compositions of the inventioncomprise Polyethylene glycol 15 hydroxystearate, polyoxyl 40hydrogenated castor oil or polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil at aconcentration of about 1 to about 5% (w/w).

In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention may contain oneor more disintegrants. Examples of disintegrants that may be used in thecompositions of the invention include, but are not limited to,cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, carboxymethyl cellulosesodium, polacrilin potassium, starch, hydroxypropyl starch, corn starch,pregelatinized starch, modified starch, lactose monohydrate,croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, glycine, Crospovidone,magnesium aluminum silicate, sodium starch glycolate, guar gum,colloidal silicon dioxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone), alginicacid, sodium alginate, calcium alginate, methylcellulose, chitosan, andthe like, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the oral veterinary compositions of theinvention will include up to about 10% (w/w) of one or moredisintegrants. In one embodiment, the compositions may include about 1%(w/w) to about 7% (w/w) of one or more disintegrants. In anotherembodiment, the compositions may include about 1% (w/w) to about 5%(w/w) or about 2% (w/w) to about 4% (w/w) of one or more disintegrants.

The inventive formulations may contain other inert ingredients such asantioxidants, preservatives, or pH stabilizers. These compounds are wellknown in the formulation art. Antioxidants may be added to thecompositions of the invention to inhibit degradation of the activeagents. Suitable antioxidants include, but are not limited to, alphatocopherol, ascorbic acid, ascrobyl palmitate, fumaric acid, malic acid,sodium ascorbate, sodium metabisulfate, n-propyl gallate, BHA (butylatedhydroxy anisole), BHT (butylated hydroxy toluene) monothioglycerol andthe like. The antioxidants are generally added to the formulation inamounts of from about 0.01 to about 2.0% (w/w), based upon total weightof the formulation, with about 0.05 to about 1.0% or about 0.1% to about0.2% (w/w) being especially preferred.

The compositions of the invention may also include one or morelubricants/processing aids. In some cases, the lubricant/processing aidmay also behave as a solvent, and accordingly, there some of thecomponents of the inventive compositions may have dual functions.Lubricants/processing aids include, but are not limited to polyethyleneglycols of various molecular weight ranges including PEG 3350 (DowChemical) and PEG 4000, corn oil, mineral oil, hydrogenated vegetableoils (STEROTEX or LUBRITAB), peanut oil and/or castor oil. In certainembodiments, the lubricant/processing aid is a neutral oil comprising amedium chain triglyceride or propylene glycol fatty acid estersincluding caprylic/capric triglycerides. Non-limiting examples ofneutral oils are known by the trademark MIGLYOL® including MIGLYOL® 810,MIGLYOL® 812, MIGLYOL® 818, MIGLYOL® 829 and MIGLYOL® 840. If present,the lubricant/processing aid may be in the composition at aconcentration of about 1% to about 20% (w/w). Typically, thelubricant/processing aid will be present at a concentration of about 1%to about 15% (w/w) or about 1% to about 10% (w/w). Preferably, thelubricant/processing aid will be present in the composition at aconcentration of about 1% to about 5% (w/w).

The compositions may also include anti-microbial agents orpreservatives. Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to,the parabens (methylparaben and/or propylparaben), benzalkoniumchloride, benzethonium chloride, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, bronopol,butylparaben, cetrimide, chlorhexidine, chlorobutanol, chlorocresol,cresol, ethylparaben, imidurea, methylparaben, phenol, phenoxyethanol,phenylethyl alcohol, phenylmercuric acetate, phenylmercuric borate,phenylmercuric nitrate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodiumpropionate, sorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. The concentration ofthe preservatives in the compositions of the invention are typicallyfrom about 0.01 to about 5.0% (w/w), about 0.01 to about 2% (w/w) orabout 0.05 to about 1.0% (w/w). In one embodiment, the compositions ofthe invention will contain about 0.1% to about 0.5% (w/w) of thepreservative.

In an embodiment, the oral veterinary compositions of the invention maycontain one or more stabilizers to stabilize active ingredients that aresusceptible. Suitable stabilizer components include, but are not limitedto, magnesium stearate, citric acid, sodium citrate, and the like.However, stabilizer components are common in the art and any suitableone or mixture of more than one may be used. In an embodiment, astabilizer component comprises about 0.0 percent to about 3.0 percent ofthe soft chew. In an alternate embodiment, a stabilizer componentcomprises about 0.5 percent to about 1.5 percent of the soft chew.

Compounds which stabilize the pH of the formulation are alsocontemplated in the compositions of the invention. Again, such compoundsare well known to a practitioner in the art as well as how to use thesecompounds. Buffering systems include, for example, systems selected fromthe group consisting of acetic acid/acetate, malic acid/malate, citricacid/citrate, tartaric acid/tartrate, lactic acid/lactate, phosphoricacid/phosphate, glycine/glycimate, tris, glutamic acid/glutamates andsodium carbonate. In one embodiment, the compositions may include the pHmodifier citric acid or a citric acid/citrate combination. The amount ofthe pH modifier required to achieve a desired pH depends on the natureof the active ingredient(s) and non-active excipients. However, in someembodiments the pH modifier may typically be present in an amount ofabout 0.1 to about 5% (w/w), about 0.1 to about 3% (w/w) or about 0.1 toabout 2% (w/w). More typically, the pH modifier may be present in aconcentration of about 0.1 to 1% (w/w) in the inventive compositions.

Many flavoring agents may be used in the compositions of the inventionto improve the palatability of the oral veterinary formulations.Preferred flavoring agents are those that are not derived from animalsources. In various embodiments, flavoring components derived fromfruit, meat (including, but not limited to pork, beef, chicken, fish,poultry, and the like), vegetable, cheese, bacon, cheese-bacon and/orartificial flavorings may be used. A flavoring component is typicallychosen based upon consideration related to the organism that will beingesting the soft chew. For example, a horse may prefer an appleflavoring component, while a dog may prefer a meat flavoring component.Although flavoring components derived from non-animal sources arepreferred, in some embodiments, natural flavors containing beef or liverextracts, etc., may be used such as braised beef flavor artificialpowdered beef flavor, roast beef flavor and corned beef flavor amongothers.

Non-animal flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, artificialbeef flavors, flavors derived from plant proteins such as soy protein towhich artificial flavoring has been added (e.g. soy-derived baconflavoring), and flavors derived from plant proteins such as soy proteinwith no artificial flavoring.

Artificial beef flavors may be obtained from a variety of sourcesincluding Pharma Chemie Inc., TetraGenx, Givaudan S.A., Firmenich, KeminIndustries, inc., International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., among others.

In another embodiment, the flavoring component include, but is notlimited to, strawberry flavor, tutti fruity flavor, orange flavor,banana flavor, mint flavor, and an apple-molasses.

For administration to cattle, sheep, horses and other grazing animals,as well as small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and guineapigs, grains and seeds are especially appealing additional flavoringagents. The grains may be present in any form consistent with theproduction of the chew including flour, bran, cereal, fiber, whole grainand meal forms, including gluten meals, and may be rolled, crimped,ground, dehydrated or milled. Minerals may also be added as flavorings,such as salt and other spices. In one embodiment, the grain utilized isdehydrated, milled or flaked. Vegetables such as dehydrated carrots andseeds such as safflower seeds or milo seeds are especially appealing tosmall animals and may be included. Additionally, flavors such as SweetApple and Molasses Flavor Base and others produced by Pharma Chemie,Givaudan S.A. or other suppliers may be utilized in the compositions.

The compositions of the invention may include one or more flavoringagents in an amount that provides the desired level of palatability tothe target animal. The one or more flavoring agents will typically bepresent in a concentration of about 5% to about 40% (w/w). Moretypically, the flavoring agents will be present in a concentration ofabout 10% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 25% (w/w).

In one embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of the inventioncomprise one or more solvents described above, one or more fillersdescribed above, one or more binders described above, one or morehumectants described above, one or more surfactants described above, oneor more flavors described above, one or more lubricants described above,and optionally one or more disintegrants described above, one or morepreservatives described above, one or more stabilizers described above,one or more antioxidants described above and one or more pH modifyingagents described above.

In another embodiment, the compositions may comprise one or moresolvents selected from various grades of liquid polyethylene glycol(PEG) including PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG 400 and PEG 540; propylenecarbonate, propylene glycol; triglycerides including, but not limited tocaprylic/capric triglyceride, caprylic/capric/linoleic triglyceride,caprylic/capric/succinic triglyceride, propylene glycoldicaprylate/dicaprate, glycerol caprylate/caprate and polyglycolizedglycerides, or a combination thereof; one or more fillers selected fromcorn starch, pre-gelatinized corn starch, soy protein fines, corn cob,and corn and gluten meal, or a combination thereof; one or more flavorsselected from natural and/or artificial pork, beef, fish or poultryflavor, or a combination thereof, one or more binders selected frompolyvinylpyrrolidone (e.g. Povidone), cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone(Crospovidone), polyethylene glycols of various grades including PEG3350, PEG 4000, PEG 6000, PEG 8000 and PEG 20,000; and co-polymers ofvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate (e.g. Copovidone), or a combinationthereof; and one or more surfactants selected from glyceryl monooleate,polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, sorbitan esters includingsorbitan monooleate, polyvinyl alcohol, polysorbates includingpolysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80, d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol1000 succinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, co-polymers of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol castor oil derivatives includingpolyoxyl 35 castor oil, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyl60 hydrogenated castor oil; propylene glycol monolaurate; glycerideesters including glycerol caprylate/caprate, polyglycolized glycerides,PEG 300 caprylic/capric glycerides, PEG 400 caprylic/capric glycerides,PEG 300 oleic glycerides, PEG 300 linoleic glycerides; polyethyleneglycol stearates and polyethylene glycol hydroxy stearates includingpolyoxyl 8 stearate, polyoxyl 40 stearate and polyethylene glycol 1512-hydroxystearate, or a combination thereof; and optionally one or morehumectants described above, one or more lubricants described above, oneor more preservatives describe above, one or more stabilizers describedabove, one or more antioxidants described above and one or more pHmodifiers described above.

In another embodiment, the compositions comprise one or more solventsselected from various grades of liquid polyethylene glycol including PEG300, PEG 400 and PEG 540; propylene carbonate; propylene glycol;caprylic/capric triglyceride, caprylic/capric/linoleic triglyceride,propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate and glycerol caprylate/caprate,or a combination thereof; one or more fillers selected from corn starch,pre-gelatinized corn starch, soy protein fines, or a combinationthereof; one or more flavors selected from natural and/or artificialpork, beef, fish or poultry flavor, or a combination thereof; one ormore binders selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone, cross-linkedpolyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycols of various grades includingPEG 3350, PEG 4000, PEG 6000 and PEG 8000; and co-polymers ofvinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, or a combination thereof; one ormore humectants selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, cetyl alcoholand glycerol monostearate, or a combination thereof; and one or moresurfactants selected from polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters,sorbitan esters including sorbitan monooleate, polysorbates includingpolysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80, co-polymers of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide, polyethylene glycol castor oil derivatives includingpolyoxyl 35 castor oil, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyl60 hydrogenated castor oil; propylene glycol monolaurate; PEG 300caprylic/capric glycerides, PEG 400 caprylic/capric glycerides, PEG 300oleic glycerides, PEG 300 linoleic glycerides; polyethylene glycolstearates and polyethylene glycol hydroxy stearates including polyoxyl 8stearate, polyoxyl 40 stearate and polyethylene glycol 1512-hydroxystearate, or a combination thereof; and optionally one or morelubricants described above, one or more preservatives described above,one or more stabilizers described above, one or more antioxidantsdescribed above and one or more pH modifiers described above.

In yet another embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of theinvention comprise one or more solvents selected from liquidpolyethylene glycols including PEG 200, PEG 300 and PEG 400;caprylic/capric triglyceride and propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,or a combination thereof, one or more fillers selected from corn starch,pre-gelatinized corn starch and soy protein fines, or a combinationthereof; one or more flavors selected from natural and/or artificialbeef, fish or poultry flavor, or a combination thereof; one or morebinders selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone, cross-linkedpolyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycols of various grades includingPEG 3350, PEG 4000 and PEG 6000; and co-polymers of vinylpyrrolidone andvinyl acetate, or a combination thereof; one or more humectants selectedfrom glycerol, propylene glycol and cetyl alcohol, or a combinationthereof; and one or more surfactants selected from polyoxyethylenesorbitan fatty acid esters, sorbitan esters including sorbitanmonooleate, polysorbates including polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80,polyethylene glycol castor oil derivatives including polyoxyl 35 castoroil, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyl 60 hydrogenatedcastor oil; PEG 300 caprylic/capric glycerides, PEG 400 caprylic/capricglycerides and polyethylene glycol stearates and polyethylene glycolhydroxy stearates including polyoxyl 8 stearate, polyoxyl 40 stearateand polyethylene glycol 15 12-hydroxystearate, or a combination thereof;one or more lubricants selected from polyethylene glycols of variousmolecular weight ranges including PEG 3350 and PEG 4000, hydrogenatedvegetable oils, castor oil, a medium chain triglyceride includingcaprylic/capric triglycerides and propylene glycol fatty acid esters, ora combination thereof, and optionally one or more preservativesdescribed above, one or more stabilizers described above, one or moreantioxidants described above and one or more pH modifiers describedabove.

In another embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of the inventioncomprise one or more solvents selected from liquid polyethylene glycolsincluding PEG 300 and PEG 400; caprylic/capric triglyceride andpropylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, or a combination thereof; one ormore fillers selected from corn starch, pre-gelatinized corn starch andsoy protein fines, or a combination thereof; one or more flavorsselected from natural and/or artificial beef, fish or poultry flavor, ora combination thereof; one or more binders selected frompolyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycols of various gradesincluding PEG 3350, PEG 4000 and PEG 6000, or a combination thereof; oneor more humectants selected from glycerol, propylene glycol and cetylalcohol, or a combination thereof; and one or more surfactants selectedfrom sorbitan esters including sorbitan monooleate, polysorbatesincluding polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol castoroil derivatives including polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil andpolyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil; PEG 400 caprylic/capric glyceridesand polyethylene glycol stearates and polyethylene glycol hydroxystearates including polyoxyl 8 stearate, polyoxyl 40 stearate andpolyethylene glycol 15 12-hydroxystearate, or a combination thereof; oneor more lubricants selected from polyethylene glycols of variousmolecular weight ranges including PEG 3350 and PEG 4000, caprylic/caprictriglycerides and propylene glycol fatty acid esters, or a combinationthereof; and optionally one or more preservatives described above, oneor more stabilizers described above, one or more antioxidants describedabove and one or more pH modifiers described above.

In still another embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of theinvention comprise one or more solvents selected from liquidpolyethylene glycols including PEG 300 and PEG 400; caprylic/caprictriglyceride and propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, or acombination thereof, at a concentration of about 1-20% (w/w) or about5-20% (w/w); one or more fillers selected from corn starch,pre-gelatinized corn starch and soy protein fines, or a combinationthereof, at a concentration of about 30-60% (w/w) or about 30-50% (w/w);one or more flavors selected from natural and/or artificial beef, fishor poultry flavor, or a combination thereof, at a concentration of about10-30% (w/w) or about 15-25% (w/w); one or more binders selected frompolyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycols of various gradesincluding PEG 3350, PEG 4000 and PEG 6000, or a combination thereof, ata concentration of about 1-10% (w/w) or about 5-15% (w/w); one or morehumectants selected from glycerol and propylene glycol, or a combinationthereof, at a concentration of about 1-15% (w/w) or about 5-15% (w/w);and one or more surfactants selected from sorbitan esters includingsorbitan monooleate, polysorbates including polysorbate 20 andpolysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol castor oil derivatives includingpolyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castoroil; PEG 400 caprylic/capric glycerides and polyethylene glycolstearates and polyethylene glycol hydroxy stearates including polyoxyl 8stearate, polyoxyl 40 stearate and polyethylene glycol 1512-hydroxystearate, or a combination thereof, at a concentration ofabout 1-5% (w/w) or about 5-10% (w/w); one or more lubricants selectedfrom polyethylene glycols of various molecular weight ranges includingPEG 3350 and PEG 4000, caprylic/capric triglycerides and propyleneglycol fatty acid esters, or a combination thereof, at a concentrationof about 1-10% (w/w) or about 1-5% (w/w); and optionally one or morepreservatives described above, one or more stabilizers described above,one or more antioxidants described above and one or more pH modifiersdescribed above.

In another embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of the inventioncomprise one or more solvents selected from liquid polyethylene glycolsincluding PEG 300 and PEG 400; and caprylic/capric triglyceride, or acombination thereof, at a concentration of about 5-20% (w/w); one ormore fillers selected from corn starch, pre-gelatinized corn starch andsoy protein fines, or a combination thereof, at a concentration of about30-50% (w/w); one or more flavors selected from natural and/orartificial beef, fish or poultry flavor, or a combination thereof, at aconcentration of about 15-25% (w/w); one or more binders selected frompolyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycols of various gradesincluding PEG 3350, PEG 4000 and PEG 6000, or a combination thereof, ata concentration of about 5-15% (w/w); one or more humectants selectedfrom glycerol and propylene glycol, or a combination thereof, at aconcentration of about 5-15% (w/w); and one or more surfactants selectedfrom polysorbates including polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80,polyethylene glycol castor oil derivatives including polyoxyl 40hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil; PEG 400caprylic/capric glycerides and polyethylene glycol stearates andpolyethylene glycol hydroxy stearates including polyoxyl 8 stearate,polyoxyl 40 stearate and polyethylene glycol 15 12-hydroxystearate, or acombination thereof, at a concentration of about 1-5% (w/w) or about5-10% (w/w); one or more lubricants selected from polyethylene glycolsof various molecular weight ranges including PEG 3350 and PEG 4000 andcaprylic/capric triglycerides, or a combination thereof at aconcentration of about 1-5% (w/w); and optionally one or morepreservatives described above, one or more stabilizers described above,one or more antioxidants described above and one or more pH modifiersdescribed above.

In another embodiment, the oral veterinary compositions of the inventionare in the form of a chewable tablet. The tablet compositions willcomprise an effective amount of at least one systemically-acting activeagent described herein, and typically a flavor, a filler, a lubricant,and a flow aid. Optionally, the inventive tablets may further contain atleast one of the following ingredients: colorants, binders,antioxidants, disintegrants, or preservatives. Moreover, in analternative embodiment the invention provides for tablets which arecoated. The inventive tablets are prepared according to methodsconventional in the art, such as wet and dry granulation processes.

Many of the ingredients for the tablet include those provided for in thesoft chewable formulations described above. With respect to fillers (ordiluents), the inventive tablets contemplate all the fillers which areknown in the tablet art. Non-limiting examples of fillers includeanhydrous lactose, hydrated lactose, sprayed dried lactose, crystallinemaltose and maltodextrins.

Flow aids or glidants are also well known in the art and include, forexample, silicon dioxide (CARBOSIL) or silica gel (SYLOID), talc,starch, calcium, stearate, magnesium stearate, and aluminum magnesiumsilicate (NEUSILIN). Amounts of flow aids are readily determined by apractitioner in this art and include for using about 0.01 to about 25%,based upon weight of total composition. Non-limiting examples oflubricants for the tablets include magnesium and calcium stearate andstearic acid. Again, the various lubricants are well known to apractitioner of this art as well as the amounts of these compounds.Ranges include from about 0.01 to about 20% (w/w).

In various embodiments, the oral compositions of the invention may becoated. Any suitable coating may be used. In an embodiment, a coating ischosen that will not interfere with an additive. In another embodiment,an additive is chosen that can modify the time for digestion of theadditive(s), thereby at least partially controlling the release of theadditive(s). Suitable coatings include, but are not limited to, and maybe any pharmaceutically acceptable, and/or neutraceutically acceptablecoating, as is common in the art. (polymers, monomers). Reference can behad to U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,153, incorporated herein by reference, toCady et al. for a list of polymers that can function as coatings.

In other embodiments, coatings for the oral veterinary formulationsinclude gelatin, glyceryl behenate, coca butter, and beeswax. Othercoatings would be known to a practitioner in this art. Coatings fortablets include sugar coatings, such as seal coatings, subcoatings, andsyrup coatings, as well as film coatings, such as pan-pour coatings andpan spray coatings. As well known to a practitioner of this art, thecoatings contain additional components such as solvents, plasticizers,colorants, opaquant-extenders and film formers.

Method of Manufacture

The soft chews of the invention are prepared by mixing the activeingredient(s) with the non-active excipients in a mixer and mixing thecomponents to achieve a dough-like mixture wherein the activeingredient(s) are homogeneously distributed. The resulting dough-likemixture is then formed into soft chewable dosage units of differentsizes for different size animals.

In one embodiment, the process to manufacture the soft chews will notinclude the addition of water, although there may be some amount ofwater included with certain components used. The presence of significantamounts of water in veterinary compositions is known to affect thestability of certain active agents. Thus, in certain embodiments of theinvention water will not be added to the composition where active agentsand/or excipients are used that are susceptible to degradation in thepresence of water.

The temperature at which the soft chewable veterinary compositions ofthe invention are prepared is dependent on the stability requirements ofthe active and non-active components of the compositions. In certaincases where ingredients that are not temperature-sensitive are used,higher processing temperatures may be tolerable. However, when activeand non-active ingredients are used that are sensitive to temperature,the process may be adapted to operate at a temperature range that willnot adversely impact the stability of the composition. In someembodiments, the process will preferably not impart significant amountsof heat during any one processing step to avoid the possible degradationof any of the components of the composition. Thus, in some embodiments,any one step of the process may be operated so that the averagetemperature of the mixture does not rise more than about 20° C. aboveroom temperature (room temperature will be considered 20-25° C.). Inother embodiments, the process will be conducted so that the averagetemperature of the mixture does not rise more than about 15° C., morethan about 10° C. or more than about 5° C. above room temperature. Instill another embodiment, the process may be conducted so that theaverage temperature of the mixture will not rise more than about 3° C.above room temperature. In some embodiments, the required temperaturemay be maintained by the use of process cooling devices. In otherembodiments, the required temperature may be maintained by usingequipment that does not produce sufficient heat to maintain the requiredtemperature of the mixture during processing.

In one embodiment, active and inactive ingredients for the soft chews ofthe invention are added to a mixing vessel such as a planetary or doubleplanetary mixer or a horizontal mixer capable of blending the materialand casting it against the side of the mixing vessels. This actionpermits the ingredients to be well and consistently blended withoutapplication of heat or addition of pharmaceutical grade water to themixture.

Horizontal mixers generally comprise a mixing chamber, an elongated,horizontal mixing shaft which rotates, and a plurality of mixing toolswhich depend generally perpendicularly from the horizontal shaft torotate around the inside of the chamber (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.5,735,603, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by thisreference). The mixing tools are configured and dimensioned as requiredfor the mixing process to follow the shape of the chamber walls asrotated for proper mixing of all of material present. Some such mixingchambers are cylindrically shaped, while others are trough-shaped, suchas mixers which are commonly referred to in the art as double-arm mixersor ribbon mixers.

In one embodiment, the soft chewable compositions of the invention maybe formed from the dough-like mixture by any suitable forming techniquesknown in the art including forming by hand. One of skill in the art willunderstand that once the homogeneous dough mixture having the requiredproperties is prepared the individual dosage units of various sizes maybe formed by weighing the required amount of the dough-like mixture andforming the soft chewable compositions by hand or using any othermolding techniques known in the art. In one embodiment, the dough-likemixture is extruded to form the soft chewable dosage forms. In anotherembodiment, the soft chewable dosage forms are formed using a formingmachine. A variety of forming equipment may be utilized in the inventionincluding molding machines developed for use in producing molded foodproducts, such as pre-formed hamburger patties and chicken nuggets. Forexample, the molding machines described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,486,186;3,887,964; 3,952,478; 4,054,967; 4,097,961; 4,182,003; 4,334,339;4,338,702; 4,343,068; 4,356,595; 4,372,008; 4,523,520; 4,535,505;4,597,135; 4,608,731; 4,622,717; 4,697,308; 4,768,941; 4,780,931;4,818,446; 4,821,376; 4,872,241; 4,975,039; 4,996,743; 5,021,025;5,022,888; 5,165,218; 5,655,436; 5,980,228 and 7,780,931 (thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference) arerepresentative of forming equipment that may be utilized in theinvention.

In one embodiment forming equipment that does not apply compression heatto the chew mixture may be utilized. Non-limiting examples of formingmachines include those manufactured by NuTec Manufacturing includingmodel nos. 710, 720, 745, 750 and 760; and those manufactured by theFormax Corporation, including the VerTex 1000, NovaMax 500, Maxum 700,Ultra 26, F-19, F-400 and F-6. The order of mixing the components is notcritical and various processing schemes may be used to form thedough-like mixture prior to forming the soft chew dosage units. In someembodiments, the active ingredient(s) and possibly some non-activecomponents such as preservatives or antioxidants may first be dissolvedin a solvent(s) prior to mixing with other non-active components of thecomposition in a blender to form a dough-like mixture. The liquidcomponents may be added at a controlled rate to ensure homogeneity ofthe mixture. Alternatively, the active ingredient(s) may be mixed in dryform (solid state) with other non-active components in a blender andliquid components may be added to the dry blended mixture with furthermixing to form a uniform dough-like mixture. In still anotherembodiment, the liquid components of the invention may first be placedin the blender and the dry components, including active agent(s) may beadded to the liquid with further mixing to form a uniform dough-likemixture.

Methods of Treatment

In another aspect of the invention, a method for preventing and/ortreating a parasite infestation and/or infection in an animal isprovided, comprising administering to the animal an oral veterinarycomposition comprising an effective amount of at least onesystemically-acting active agent together with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier to the animal. In one embodiment, the compositionscomprise at least one isoxazoline active agent. In another embodiment,the compositions may include one or more macrocyclic lactone activeagents, one or more spinosyn or spinosoid compounds, one or morebenzimidazole agents including thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole,fenbendazole, oxfendazole, albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel; oractive agents of other classes including levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more insect growthregulators, one or more neonicotinoid active agents, one or more aminoacetonitrile active agents, or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination thereof. In stillanother embodiment the compositions may include at least one isoxazolineactive agent in combination with one or more macrocyclic lactones, oneor more spinosyn and/or spinosoid compounds, one or more benzimidazoleactive agents including thiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole,fenbendazole, oxfendazole, albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel; oractive agents of other classes including levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agents, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoid active agents or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the oral veterinary composition is a soft chewablecomposition. In another embodiment, the oral veterinary composition is achewable tablet composition.

The methods and uses of the invention comprise the administration of anyof the compositions of the invention described herein to an animal inneed thereof. The compositions of the invention have been found toprovide long-lasting efficacy against ectoparasites (e.g. fleas andticks) and/or endoparasites with a very fast onset of action, asdescribed above. Furthermore, it has been found that the administrationof the active agents in the inventive oral compositions of the inventionprovide a very high level of bioavailability of the active agent afteroral administration to the animal. Thus, depending on the active agentincluded in the compositions, the invention provides methods and usesfor the treatment and prevention of endoparasitic infections and/orectoparasitic infestations in an animal, which comprise administering aneffective amount of an oral composition of the invention to the animal.

In one embodiment for treatment against ectoparasites, the ectoparasiteis one or more insect or arachnid including those of the generaCtenocephalides, Rhipicephalus, Dermacentor, Ixodes, Boophilus,Ambylomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Sarcoptes, Psoroptes, Otodectes,Chorioptes, Hypoderma, Gasterophilus, Lucilia, Dermatobia, Cochliomyia,Chrysomyia, Damalinia, Linognathus, Haematopinus, Solenopotes,Trichodectes, and Felicola.

In another embodiment for the treatment against ectoparasites, theectoparasite is from the genera Ctenocephalides, Rhipicephalus,Dermacentor, Ixodes and/or Boophilus. The ectoparasites treated includebut are not limited to fleas, ticks, mites, mosquitoes, flies, lice,blowfly and combinations thereof. Specific examples include, but are notlimited to, cat and dog fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalidessp. and the like), ticks (Rhipicephalus sp., Ixodes sp., Dermacentorsp., Amblyomma sp., Haemaphysalis sp., and the like), and mites (Demodexsp., Sarcoptes sp., Otodectes sp., Cheyletiella sp., and the like), lice(Trichodectes sp., Felicola sp., Linognathus sp., and the like),mosquitoes (Aedes sp., Culex sp., Anopheles sp., and the like) and flies(Hematobia sp. including Haematobia irritans, Musca sp., Stomoxys sp.including Stomoxys calcitrans, Dermatobia sp., Cochliomyia sp., and thelike).

Additional examples of ectoparasites include but are not limited to thetick genus Boophilus, especially those of the species microplus (cattletick), decoloratus and annulatus; myiases such as Dermatobia hominis(known as Berne in Brazil) and Cochliomyia hominivorax (greenbottle);sheep myiases such as Lucilia sericata, Lucilia cuprina (known asblowfly strike in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) andGasterophilus in horses. Flies proper, namely those whose adultconstitutes the parasite, such as Haematobia irritans (horn fly) andStomoxys calcitrans (stable fly); lice such as Linognathus vituli, etc.;and mites such as Sarcoptes scabiei and Psoroptes ovis. The above listis not exhaustive and other ectoparasites are well known in the art tobe harmful to animals and humans. These include, for example migratingdipteran larvae.

In some embodiments of the invention, the composition can also be usedto treat animals for endoparasite infestations such as those comprisedof helminths selected from the group consisting of Anaplocephala,Ancylostoma, Anecator, Ascaris, Capillaria, Cooperia, Cyathostomum,Dipylidium, Dirofilaria, Echinococcus, Enterobius, Fasciola, Haemonchus,Oesophagostumum, Ostertagia, Parascaris, Toxocara, Strongylus,Strongyloides, Toxascaris, Trichinella, Trichuris and Trichostrongylus,among others.

In one embodiment, the invention provides methods for the treatment andprevention of parasitic infections and infestations of animals (eitherwild or domesticated), including livestock and companion animals such ascats, dogs, horses, birds including chickens, sheep, goats, pigs,turkeys and cattle, with the aim of ridding these hosts of parasitescommonly encountered by such animals.

In another embodiment, the invention provides methods for the treatmentand/or prevention of parasitic infections and infestations in companionanimals including, but not limited to, cats and dogs. Some methods andcompositions of the invention that comprise isoxazoline active agentsare particularly effective for preventing or treating parasiticinfestations of cats and dogs with fleas and ticks or otherectoparasites.

In another embodiment, the methods and compositions of the invention areused for the treatment or prevention of parasitic infections andinfestations in cattle or sheep. When treating livestock animals such ascattle or sheep, the methods and compositions of the invention thatcomprise an isoxazoline active agent are particularly effective againstRhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Haematobia irritans (horn fly),Stomoxys calcitrans (stable fly), and sheep myiases such as Luciliasericata, Lucilia cuprina (known as blowfly strike in Australia, NewZealand and South Africa).

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for preventing and/ortreating a parasitic infestation and/or infection in an animal thatcomprises administering to the animal a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising an effective amount of at least one isoxazolineactive agent in combination with an effective amount at least a secondactive agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Any of theadditional active agents described above may be combined with theisoxazoline active agent in the soft chewable veterinary compositions.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for preventingand/or treating an endoparasitic infection in an animal that comprisesadministering to the animal a soft chewable veterinary compositioncomprising an effective amount of a systemically-acting active agentthat is active against internal parasites including one or moremacrocyclic lactones, one or more benzimidazole active agents includingthiabendazole, oxibendazole, mebendazole, fenbendazole, oxfendazole,albendazole, triclabendazole and febantel; or anthelmintics of otherclasses including levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel,closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrile active agents, orone or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents, or acombination thereof. The methods of the invention for the treatmentand/or prevention of endoparasites are effective against parasiticnematodes, (including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and others), and/orDirofilaria immitis (Heartworm).

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for preventingand/or treating an endoparasitic infection in an animal that comprisesadministering to the animal a soft chewable veterinary compositioncomprising an effective amount of one or more macrocyclic lactonesincluding, but not limited to, abamectin, dimadectin, doramectin,emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, latidectin, lepimectin, selamectin,ML-1,694,554 and milbemycins including, but not limited to, milbemectin,milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃, milbemycin A₄, milbemycin oxime, moxidectinand nemadectin. In another embodiment, method comprises administering aneffective amount of a soft chewable composition comprising one or moreof abamectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, doramectin orselamectin. In yet another embodiment, the method comprisesadministering an effective amount of a soft chewable compositioncomprising ivermectin, milbemectin, milbemycin oxime or moxidectin, or acombination thereof.

In yet embodiment of the invention, the methods and uses of theinvention comprising one or more macrocyclic lactones, one or morespinosyn compounds, one or more benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel,morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more aminoacetonitrile active agents or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylaminoactive agents, or a combination of thereof, in the compositions willprovide an efficacy of at least about 90% against roundworm (Toxocaracanis), whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) or hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum).In another embodiment, the methods and uses of the invention comprisingan active agent that is active against internal parasites including, butnot limited to, one or more macrocyclic lactones, will provide anefficacy of at least 95% against roundworm (Toxocara canis), whipworm(Trichuris vulpis) or hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum). In still anotherembodiment, the methods and uses of the invention will provide anefficacy of up to 100% against Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm).

In some embodiments, the combination of certain active agents with anisoxazoline active agent will expand the scope of coverage of the methoddepending on the biological activity of the additional active agent. Forexample, it is contemplated that combination of the isoxazoline activeagent with one or more additional active agents that are active againstinternal parasites such as parasitic nematodes, (including roundworm,hookworm, whipworm and others), and/or Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworm)will provide treatment and/or protection against internal parasites aswell as external parasites (e.g. fleas and ticks, etc.). Thus, theinvention provides a method for the treatment and/or prevention of anectoparasitic infestation and an endoparasitic infection, comprisingadministering to the animal in need a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising at least one isoxazoline compound in combinationwith at least one compound that is active against internal parasites.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for treating and/orpreventing an endoparasitic infestation and ectoparasitic infection inan animal that comprises administering a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising an effective amount at least one isoxazolineactive agent together with an effective amount of at least onemacrocyclic lactone active agent.

In some embodiments, the composition may comprise at least oneisoxazoline compound in combination with abamectin, dimadectin,doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, latidectin, lepimectin,selamectin, ML-1,694,554 and milbemycins including, but not limited to,milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin A₃, milbemycin A₄, milbemycinoxime, moxidectin or nemadectin, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, methods and uses for the treatment and/orprevention of an ectoparasitic infestation and endoparasitic infectionare provided wherein the composition administered comprises at least oneisoxazoline active agent in combination with one or more macrocycliclactones and one or more spinosyn compounds, one or more spinosoidcompounds, one or more benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agent, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoids or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino activeagents, or a combination of thereof.

In one embodiment, the invention provides methods and uses for thetreatment and prevention of parasitic infections and infestations ofanimals (either wild or domesticated), including livestock and companionanimals such as cats, dogs, horses, birds including chickens, sheep,goats, pigs, turkeys and cattle, with the aim of ridding these hosts ofparasites commonly encountered by such animals.

In another embodiment, the invention provides methods and uses for thetreatment or prevention of parasitic infections and infestations incompanion animals including, but not limited to, cats and dogs.

The compositions of the invention are administered in parasiticidallyeffective amounts which are suitable to control the parasite in questionto the required extent, as described herein.

In some embodiments for methods that comprise an isoxazoline activeagent, a dose of from about 0.05 about 100 mg per kg of body weight ofthe isoxazoline active agent given as a single dose or in divided dosesfor a period of from 1 to 5 days will be satisfactory but, of course,there can be instances where higher or lower dosage ranges areindicated, and such are within the scope of this invention. Moretypically, the dose of the isoxazoline active agent may be between about0.1 to about 50 mg per kg, about 0.1 to about 25 mg/kg or about 0.1 toabout 10 mg/kg of body weight. In one embodiment, the dose of theisoxazoline active agent administered will be about 0.1 to about 5 mg/kgor about 1 to about 5 mg/kg of body weight. In another embodiment forlong-lasting compositions, the compositions will contain a dose of about10 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg of an isoxazoline active agent. Moretypically, the higher dose compositions will contain a dose of about 10mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg or about 10 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg of anisoxazoline active agent. In one embodiment, the high dose compositionswill contain a dose of about 15 mg/kg to about 25 mg/kg per body weightof an isoxazoline active agent. It is well within the routine skill ofthe practitioner to determine a particular dosing regimen for a specifichost and parasite.

In various other embodiments of the invention, the methods and uses ofthe invention will include administering a soft chewable veterinarycomposition comprising systemically-acting active agents that are activeagainst internal parasites (endoparasiticidal) including, but notlimited to, one or more macrocyclic lactones, one or more spinosyncompounds, one or more spinosoid compounds, a benzimidazole, levamisole,pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or moreamino acetonitrile active agent, or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof.

Generally, the active agent active against internal parasites may beincluded in the composition to deliver a dose of about 0.05 mg/kg toabout 50 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg of body weight ofthe animal. In other embodiments, the endoparasiticidal active agentwill typically be present in an amount sufficient to deliver a dose ofabout 0.05 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg, about 0.1 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg,about 0.1 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 0.1 mg/kg to about 1 mg/kg orabout 0.5 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg per body weight of the animal.

In certain embodiments of the invention where the endoparasiticidalactive agent is a very potent compound such as a macrocyclic lactone,the active agent will be present in a concentration to provide a dose ofabout 0.001 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg, about 000.1 mg/kg to about 0.1 mg/kgor about 0.001 mg/kg to about 0.01 mg/kg. In still other embodiments,the active agent is present in an amount sufficient to deliver a dose ofabout 0.01 mg/kg to about 2 mg/kg or about 0.1 mg/kg to about 1 mg/kgper body weight of the animal. In still other embodiments, the activeagent may be present in an amount to deliver a dose of about 1 μg/kg toabout 200 μg/kg or about 0.1 mg/kg to about 1 mg/kg weight of animal.

In one embodiment of the invention, the methods and uses of theinvention comprising an isoxazoline active agent provide protection ofat least 90% efficacy against fleas (C. felis) for at least 30 days orat least 36 days as measured against untreated controls according to themethods described in the examples. In another embodiment, the softchewable compositions of the invention provide at least 90% efficacyagainst fleas for at least 44 days or for at least 58 days.

In certain embodiments of the invention, methods and uses comprising anisoxazoline active agent are provided that provide a high level ofefficacy against fleas for periods of time in excess of 60 days. Forexample, in one embodiment, the compositions of the invention provide anefficacy of at least 90% against fleas for at least 72 days. In otherembodiments, the compositions of the invention provide an efficacy of atleast 90% against fleas for at least 79 days, at least 86 days or evenat least 93 days. In still other embodiments, the very long lasting oralcompositions of the invention provide an efficacy of at least 90%against fleas for at least about 100 days, at least about 107 days oreven at least about 114 days.

In yet another embodiment, methods and uses of the invention comprisingan isoxazoline active agent provide an efficacy of at least about 95%against fleas (C. felis) for at least about 30 days or at least about 36days. In yet another embodiment, the methods and uses of the inventionprovide an efficacy of at least about 95% against fleas for at leastabout 44 days, at least about 58 days or at least about 72 days. Instill other embodiments, the methods and uses of the invention providean efficacy of at least about 95% against fleas for at least about 79days, at least about 86 days or even about 93 days or longer. Forexample, the methods and uses of the invention wherein compositionscontaining higher doses of an isoxazoline active agent are administeredmay provide an efficacy of at least about 95% against fleas for at leastabout 100 days, or even at least about 107 days or longer.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the methods and uses of theinvention comprising administering a composition comprising anisoxazoline active agent provide about 100% efficacy against fleas forat least about 23 days, at least about 30 days or at least about 36days. In still other embodiments, the methods and uses of the inventionprovide an efficacy of about 100% against fleas for at least about 44days, at least about 58 days or at least about 72 days.

In another embodiment of the invention, the methods and uses of theinvention that comprise administering an oral composition comprising anisoxazoline active agent provide an efficacy of at least about 90%against ticks (including, but not limited to, Dermacentor variabilis,Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus,Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes holocyclus) for atleast about 23 days. More typically, the compositions will provide anefficacy of at least about 90% against ticks for at least about 30 daysor at least about 36 days. In still another embodiment, the methods anduses of the invention will provide an efficacy of at least about 95% forat least about 23 days, at least about 30 days or at least about 36days.

In some embodiments, the methods and uses of the invention comprisingadministering a composition that includes an isoxazoline active agentprovide an efficacy against ticks of at least about 90% for at leastabout 44 days, at least about 58 days, or at least about 72 days. Inother embodiments, the methods and uses of the invention provide anefficacy against ticks of at least about 90% for at least about 79 days,at least about 86 days or at least about 93 days. In other embodiments,the methods and uses of the invention provide an efficacy against ticksof at least about 95% for at least about 44 days, at least about 58days, at least about 72 days or even at least about 79 days. In certainother embodiments, the methods and uses of the invention with higherdoses of the isoxazoline active agent may provide an efficacy againstticks of at least 90%, at least 95% or even 100% for at least about 100days or even for at least about 107 days, depending on the species ofticks. This very high level of efficacy against ticks for such extendedperiods of time from an oral dosage form is striking and withoutprecedence in immediate release oral dosage forms. Furthermore, themethods and uses of the invention are surprisingly effective againsthard to control ticks, including Amblyomma americanum and others.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the methods and uses of theinvention of the invention that comprise a combination of an isoxazolineactive agent in combination with a macrocyclic lactone active agent willprovide an efficacy of at least about 90% against roundworm (Toxocaracanis), whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) or hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum)while also controlling ectoparasites (e.g. fleas and ticks) with a highlevel of efficacy, as described above. In another embodiment, themethods and uses of the invention comprising an isoxazoline active agentin combination with a macrocyclic lactone will provide an efficacy of atleast 95% against roundworm (Toxocara canis), whipworm (Trichurisvulpis) or hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum). In still another embodiment,the methods and uses of the invention will provide an efficacy of up to100% against Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) while also controllingfleas and ticks with a high level of efficacy (see above). Thus,administration of the soft chewable compositions of the invention willprevent heartworm infection and control infection of endoparasites whilealso controlling ectoparasites (e.g. fleas and ticks).

In another embodiment, the methods and uses of the invention of theinvention that comprise at least one systemically-actingendoparasiticidal active agent, with or without an isoxazoline activeagent, including one or more macrocyclic lactones, one or more spinosyncompounds, one or more spinosoid compounds, one or more benzimidazoles,levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, oneor more amino acetonitrile active agents or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof, will providean efficacy of at least about 90% against roundworm (Toxocara canis),whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) or hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum). Inanother embodiment, the methods and uses of the invention comprisingcomprise at least one systemically-acting endoparasiticidal active agentincluding one or more macrocyclic lactones, one or more spinosyncompounds, one or more spinosoid compounds, one or more benzimidazoles,levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, oneor more amino acetonitrile active agents or one or more aryloazol-2-ylcyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination of thereof, with orwithout an isoxazoline active agent, will provide an efficacy of atleast 95% against roundworm (Toxocara canis), whipworm (Trichurisvulpis) or hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum). In still another embodiment,the methods and uses of the invention comprising administering a softchewable composition that includes one or more macrocyclic lactoneactive agents in combination with an isoxazoline active agent willprovide an efficacy of up to 100% against Dirofilaria immitis(heartworm) while also controlling fleas and ticks with a high level ofefficacy (see above).

By “treating” or “treat” or “treatment” is intended the application oradministration of a composition of the invention to an animal that has aparasitic infestation for the eradication of the parasite or thereduction of the number of the parasites infesting the animal undergoingtreatment. It is noted that the compositions of the invention may beused to prevent and control such a parasitic infestation.

The compositions of the invention are administered in parasiticidallyeffective amounts which are suitable to control the parasite in questionto the desired extent, as described below. In each aspect of theinvention, the compounds and compositions of the invention can beapplied against a single pest or combinations thereof.

The compositions of the invention may be administered continuously, fortreatment or prevention of parasitic infections or infestations. In thismanner, the compositions of the invention deliver an effective amount ofthe active compounds to the animal in need thereof to control the targetparasites.

EXAMPLES

The invention is further described by the following non-limitingexamples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended,nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

Soft chews containing the isoxazoline active agent4-[5-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4,5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-N-[2-oxo-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)amino]ethyl]-1-naphthalenecarboxamide(Compound A) as a representative isoxazoline compound alone and incombination with a macrocyclic lactone were prepared with a variety ofnon-active excipients and evaluated for effectiveness to controlendoparasites and ectoparasites in cats and dogs. In addition, softchewable compositions comprising one or more parasiticides that areactive against endoparasites were prepared and evaluated for efficacyagainst various internal parasites.

Example 1 Preparation of Soft Chewable Veterinary Formulations

The soft chewable formulation of Table 1 was prepared by the followingprocedure: the active agent(s) and potassium sorbate (if present) weredissolved in the corresponding amount of solvent by mixing at ambienttemperature. In a blender, the filler (e.g. soy protein fines and/orstarch) are mixed together at ambient temperature until blended, thenthe other non-active components and the pre-made solution of the activeagent(s) and potassium sorbate (if present) are added to the mixture.The mixture is stirred further until a well-blended dough-type mixtureis formed.

The dough-like mixture is then formed into individual soft chewabledosage units in nominal sizes of 0.5 g, 1 g and 4 g. The formulations inTables 2-24 may be prepared by similar procedures. In the tables below,the abbreviation “QS” meaning “Quantum sufficit” is intended to meanthat the amount of corresponding component may be adjusted to bring thecomposition to 100% (w/w).

TABLE 1 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 2.2 Soy ProteinFines Filler 26.5 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 31.0  artificial meat flavorFlavoring 5.1 artificial beef flavor Flavoring 7.1 Povidone K-30 Binder2.8 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.4 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.0 Glycerin Humectant 5.1 PotassiumSorbate Preservative 0.3 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/Lubricant3.2

TABLE 2 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 2.2 Soy ProteinFines Filler 56.0 (QS) artificial meat flavor Flavoring 5.5 artificialbeef flavor Flavoring 7.5 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.8 PEG 4000 Binder 6.4Sorbitan monooleate Surfactant 4.0 Glycerin Humectant 5.1 PotassiumSorbate Preservative 0.3 Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateSolvent/Lubricant 3.2 Propylene glycol Solvent 7.0

TABLE 3 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 2.2 Soy ProteinFines Filler 31 (QS) Corn Gluten Meal Filler 30.0  artificial beefflavor Flavoring 12.0  Povidone K-30 Binder 2.8 PEG 4000 Binder 6.4Polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil Surfactant 4.0 Potassium SorbatePreservative 0.3 Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateSolvent/Lubricant 3.2 PEG 400 Solvent 8.0

TABLE 4 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 2.2 Soy ProteinFines Filler 32.0 (QS) Pre-gelatinized Corn Starch Filler 31.0 artificial beef flavor Flavoring 12.0  Povidone K-30 Binder 2.8 PEG 4000Binder 6.4 polyoxyl 35 castor oil Surfactant 4.0 Potassium SorbatePreservative 0.3 Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateSolvent/Lubricant 3.2 PEG 400 Solvent 6.0

TABLE 5 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 2.2 Soy ProteinFines Filler 26.0 (QS) Pre-gelatinized Corn Starch Filler 30.0 beefflavor Flavoring 15.0 Copovidone Binder 3.3 PEG 4000 Binder 5.5 Polyoxyl60 hydrogenated castor oil Surfactant 4.0 Glycerin Humectant 5.1Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 Propylene glycoldicaprylate/dicaprate Solvent/Lubricant 3.2 PEG 400 Solvent 5.4

TABLE 6 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 1.5 Soy ProteinFines Filler 46.5 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 20.0 Povidone K-30 Binder7.0 PEG 400 Solvent 15 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant3.0 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 7.0

TABLE 7 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 1.875 Soy ProteinFines Filler 46.1 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 20.0 Povidone K-30 Binder8.5 PEG 400 Solvent 15.5 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearateSurfactant 3.0 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 5.0

TABLE 8 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 1.875 Soy ProteinFines Filler 36.1 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 20.0 Povidone K-30 Binder8.5 PEG 400 Solvent 15.5 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearateSurfactant 3.0 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 5.0Croscarmellose sodium disintegrant 10.0

TABLE 9 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 2.3 Soy ProteinFines Filler 20.6 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 25.0 beef flavor Flavoring20.5 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.8 PEG 400 Solvent 7.2 PEG 4000 Binder 6.4polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.1 Glycerin Humectant8.6 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/Lubricant 3.1

TABLE 10 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 2.3 Soy ProteinFines Filler 20.0 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 25.0 beef flavor Flavoring20.0 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.8 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.4polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.1 Glycerin Humectant10.0 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/Lubricant 3.2

TABLE 11 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Milbemycin oxime Active 0.375 SoyProtein Fines Filler 21.0 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 25.7 beef flavorFlavoring 20.2 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.7 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 PEG 4000Binder 6.3 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.0Glycerin Humectant 10.1 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/Lubricant3.1 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14

TABLE 12 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 1.89 Milbemycinoxime Active 0.375 Soy Protein Fines Filler 20.0 (QS) Corn Starch Filler24.7 beef flavor Flavoring 20.2 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.7 PEG 400 Solvent7.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.3 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearateSurfactant 3.0 Glycerin Humectant 10.1 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/Lubricant 3.1 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant0.14

TABLE 13 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 1.875 Milbemycinoxime Active 0.375 Soy Protein Fines Filler 19.4 (QS) Corn Starch Filler25.0 beef flavor Flavoring 20.0 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.75 PEG 400Solvent 7.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearateSurfactant 3.1 Glycerin Humectant 10.0 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/Lubricant 3.15 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHTAntioxidant 0.14 Citric Acid Monohydrate pH modifier 0.50

TABLE 14 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 1.875 Milbemycinoxime Active 0.375 Soy Protein Fines Filler 20.5 (QS) Corn Starch Filler24.0 beef flavor Flavoring 20.0 Copovidone Binder 2.75 PEG 300 Solvent8.0 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 Polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil Surfactant3.1 Glycerin Humectant 10.0 Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateSolvent/Lubricant 2.15 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHTAntioxidant 0.14 Citric Acid Monohydrate pH modifier 0.50

TABLE 15 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 1.875 IvermectinActive 0.375 Soy Protein Fines Filler 29.4 (QS) Pre-gelatinized cornstarch Filler 15.0 beef flavor Flavoring 20.0 Copovidone Binder 2.75Caprylate/caprate glyceride Solvent 8.0 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 polyoxyl 35castor oil (Cremophor ® EL) Surfactant 3.1 Propylene glycol Humectant10.0 Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate Solvent/Lubricant 2.2Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14 Citric AcidMonohydrate pH modifier 0.50

TABLE 16 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 2.2 moxidectinActive 0.50 Soy Protein Fines Filler 29.4 (QS) Pre-gelatinized cornstarch Filler 15.0 beef flavor Flavoring 20.0 Povidone K30 Binder 2.75Caprylate/caprate glyceride Solvent 8.0 PEG 4000 Binder 6.0 Polyoxyl 40hydrogenated castor oil Surfactant 3.1 (Cremophor ® RH40) Propyleneglycol Humectant/Solvent 10.0 Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateSolvent/Lubricant 2.2 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant0.14 Citric Acid Monohydrate pH modifier 0.50

TABLE 17 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 0.5 Soy ProteinFines Filler 16.6 Corn Starch Filler 32.5 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring19.4 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.6 PEG 400 Solvent 7.8 PEG 4000 Binder 6.1polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 4.7 Lauroylpolyoxyl-32 glycerides Surfactant 4.7 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/Lubricant 4.9

TABLE 18 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 0.5 Soy ProteinFines Filler 19.4 Pre-gelatinized corn Starch Filler 29.7 (QS) beefflavor Flavoring 18.0 Copovidone Binder 3.0 PEG 540 Solvent 8.3 PEG 4000Binder 6.1 Polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil Surfactant 5.1(Cremophor ® RH60) Lauroyl polyoxyl-32 glycerides Surfactant 4.7Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/Lubricant 4.9

TABLE 19 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 0.5 Soy ProteinFines Filler 26.9 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 23.4 beef flavor Flavoring20.0 PEG 400 Solvent 6.8 PEG 4000 Binder 5.8 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 4.8 Lauroyl polyoxyl-32 glyceridesSurfactant 6.3 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride Solvent/Lubricant 5.2

TABLE 20 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 0.5 Soy ProteinFines Filler 24.3 (QS) Pre-gelatinized corn starch Filler 26.0 beefflavor Flavoring 19.0 PEG 540 Solvent 6.8 Crospovidone Binder 5.8polyoxyl 35 castor oil (Cremophor ® EL) Surfactant 5.2 Lauroylpolyoxyl-32 glycerides Surfactant 6.9 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/Lubricant 5.2

TABLE 21 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 0.5 Soy ProteinFines Filler 41.6 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 19.9 Povidone K-30 Binder4.6 PEG 400 Solvent 15.1 PEG 4000 Binder 8.1 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 4.6 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/Lubricant 4.6

TABLE 22 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 0.5 Soy ProteinFines Filler 44.2 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 18.0 Povidone K-30 Binder4.6 PEG 400 Solvent 15.1 Cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone Binder 7.1propylene glycol monolaurate Surfactant 4.6 Potassium SorbatePreservative 0.3 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/Lubricant 5.6

TABLE 23 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 0.5 Corn StarchFiller 40.8 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 19.9 Povidone K-30 Binder 5.7 PEG400 Solvent 11.4 PEG 4000 Binder 5.7 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 2.7 Lauroyl polyoxyl-32 glyceridesSurfactant 2.7 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride Solvent/Lubricant 5.4 Sodium Starch glycolate Disintegrate5.0

TABLE 24 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 0.5 Soy ProteinFines Filler 19.4 Corn Starch Filler 24.0 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring19.2 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.6 PEG 400 Solvent 8.6 PEG 4000 Binder 6.0polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 4.6 Lauroylpolyoxyl-32 glycerides Surfactant 4.6 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/Lubricant 5.3 Glycerin Humectant4.8

TABLE 25 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 2.3 Soy ProteinFines Filler 22.0 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 26.4 beef flavor Flavoring10.0 Artificial Powdered Meat Flavor Flavoring 10.0 Povidone K-30 Binder2.7 PEG 400 Solvent 7.0 PEG 4000 Binder 6.25 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.0 Glycerin Humectant 7.0 PotassiumSorbate Preservative 0.3 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/Lubricant3.0

TABLE 26 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 13.6 Soy ProteinFines Filler 15-25 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 15-25 beef flavor Flavoring20 PEG 400 Solvent 11.9 PEG 4000 Binder 5 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3-5 Glycerin Humectant 2-5 PotassiumSorbate Preservative 0.3

TABLE 27 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 13.6 Corn StarchFiller 41 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 15-25 PEG 400 Solvent 11.9Cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone Binder 5 polyoxyl 35 castor oilSurfactant 3-5 Propylene glycol Humectant 2-5 Potassium SorbatePreservative 0.3

TABLE 28 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 13.6 Soy ProteinFines Filler 12.6 Corn Starch Filler 25 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 20Povidone K-30 Binder 2.75 PEG 400 Solvent 5.5 PEG 4000 Binder 6.2polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 5.0 Glycerin Humectant7-8 Potassium Sorbate Preservative 0.3 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/Lubricant 2.0

TABLE 29 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 13.6 Soy proteinfines Filler 25.0 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 15-18 beef flavor Flavoring 20PEG 400 Solvent 11.9 Cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone Binder 5 polyoxyl35 castor oil Surfactant 3-5 Propylene glycol Humectant 2-5 PotassiumSorbate Preservative 0.3

TABLE 30 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 13.6 Soy proteinfines Filler 15.2 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 25 beef flavor Flavoring 20PEG 400 Solvent 11.9 PEG 4000 Binder 5.0 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 5.0 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/lubricant 1.0 Glycerin Humectant 3.0 Potassium SorbatePreservative 0.3

TABLE 31 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 13.6 Soy proteinfines Filler 19.2 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 20 beef flavor Flavoring 20PEG 400 Solvent 11.9 PEG 4000 Binder 5.0 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 5.0 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/lubricant 1.0 Glycerin Humectant 4.0 Potassium SorbatePreservative 0.3

TABLE 32 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Cmpd. A Active 13.6 Soy proteinfines Filler 24.2 (QS) Corn Starch Filler 15 beef flavor Flavoring 20PEG 400 Solvent 11.9 PEG 4000 Binder 5.0 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 5.0 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/lubricant 1.0 Glycerin Humectant 4.0 Potassium SorbatePreservative 0.3

TABLE 33 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Milbemycin oxime Active 0.375 Soyprotein fines Filler 47.7 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 20.0 Povidone K-30Binder 7.5 PEG 400 Solvent 16.0 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearateSurfactant 3.0 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 5.0Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14

TABLE 34 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Compound A Active 1.875 Milbemycinoxime Active 0.375 Corn starch Filler 20.0 Soy protein fines Filler 28.3(QS) beef flavor Flavoring 25.0 Povidone K-30 Binder 6.0 PEG 400 Solvent12.0 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.0Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 3.0 Potassium sorbatePreservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14

TABLE 35 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Milbemycin oxime Active 0.375 Soyprotein fines Filler 21 (QS) Starch Filler 25 beef flavor Flavoring 20Povidone K-30 Binder 2.75 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride Solvent/lubricant 3.15 Glycerin Humectant 10.0 Potassiumsorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14 Citric acid Preservative0.5

TABLE 36 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Moxidectin Active 0.03 Soy proteinfines Filler 21 (QS) Starch Filler 25 beef flavor Flavoring 20 PovidoneK-30 Binder 2.75 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride Solvent/lubricant 3.15 Glycerin Humectant 10.0 Potassiumsorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14 Citric acid Preservative0.5

TABLE 37 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Ivermectin Active 0.02 Soy proteinfines Filler 21 Starch Filler 25 beef flavor Flavoring 20 Povidone K-30Binder 2.75 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearateSurfactant 3.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/lubricant 3.15 Glycerin Humectant 10.0 Potassium sorbatePreservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14 Citric acid Preservative 0.5

TABLE 38 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Moxidectin Active 0.03 Milbemycinoxime Active 0.375 Compound A Active 1.875 Soy protein fines Filler 23(QS) Starch Filler 21 beef flavor Flavoring 20 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.75PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant3.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant3.15 Glycerin Humectant 10.0 Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHTAntioxidant 0.14 Citric acid Preservative 0.5

TABLE 39 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Moxidectin Active 0.015 Soyprotein fines Filler 21 (QS) Starch Filler 25 beef flavor Flavoring 20Povidone K-30 Binder 2.75 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 polyethylene glycol12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride Solvent/lubricant 3.15 Glycerin Humectant 10.0 Potassiumsorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14 Citric acid Preservative0.5

TABLE 40 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Praziquantel Active 1.875 FebantelActive 9.375 Soy protein fines Filler 44.23 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring15 Povidone K-30 Binder 6 Propylene glycol Solvent 7.0 polyoxyl 40hydrogenated castor oil Surfactant 4 Ethanol Solvent 5 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride Solvent/lubricant 6 Tocopherol Antioxidant 1 Potassiumsorbate Preservative 0.30 BHT Antioxidant 0.14

TABLE 41 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Praziquantel Active 1.875 FebantelActive 9.375 Moxidectin Active 0.075 Soy protein fines Filler 44.16 (QS)beef flavor Flavoring 15 Povidone K-30 Binder 6 Propylene glycol Solvent7.0 polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil Surfactant 4 Ethanol Solvent 5Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 6 Tocopherol Antioxidant1 Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.30 BHT Antioxidant 0.14

TABLE 42 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Praziquantel Active 1.875 FebantelActive 9.375 Milbemycin oxime Active 0.375 Soy protein fines Filler43.85 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 15 Povidone K-30 Binder 6 Propyleneglycol Solvent 7.0 polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil Surfactant 4Ethanol Solvent 5 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 6Tocopherol Antioxidant 1 Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.30 BHTAntioxidant 0.14

TABLE 43 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Milbemycin oxime Active 0.375 Soyprotein fines Filler 47.69 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 20 Povidone K-30Binder 7.5 PEG 400 Solvent 16.0 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearateSurfactant 3.0 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 5Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.30 BHT Antioxidant 0.14

TABLE 44 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Milbemycin oxime Active 0.375 Soyprotein fines Filler 47.69 (QS) beef flavor Flavoring 20 Povidone K-30Binder 7.5 Propylene glycol Solvent 16.0 polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castoroil Surfactant 3.0 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 5Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.30 BHT Antioxidant 0.14

TABLE 45 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Milbemycin oxime Active 0.375 Soyprotein fines Filler 21.24 (QS) Corn starch Filler 25 beef flavorFlavoring 20 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.75 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 PEG 4000Binder 6.35 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.1Glycerin Humectant 10 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant3.15 Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.30 BHT Antioxidant 0.14

TABLE 46 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Ivermectin Active 0.015 Milbemycinoxime Active 0.375 Compound A Active 1.875 Soy protein fines Filler 19.3(QS) Corn starch Filler 25 beef flavor Flavoring 20 Povidone K-30 Binder2.75 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearateSurfactant 3.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/lubricant 3.15 Glycerin Humectant 10.0 Potassium sorbatePreservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14 Citric acid Preservative 0.5

TABLE 47 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Ivermectin Active 0.015 Milbemycinoxime Active 0.375 Soy protein fines Filler 21.2 (QS) Corn starch Filler25 beef flavor Flavoring 20 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.75 PEG 400 Solvent7.1 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.1 PEG 4000Binder 6.35 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 3.15 GlycerinHumectant 10.0 Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14Citric acid Preservative 0.5

TABLE 48 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Moxidectin Active 0.03 Milbemycinoxime Active 0.375 Compound A Active 1.875 Soy protein fines Filler 19.3(QS) Corn starch Filler 25 beef flavor Flavoring 20 Povidone K-30 Binder2.75 PEG 400 Solvent 7.1 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearateSurfactant 3.1 PEG 4000 Binder 6.35 Caprylic/capric triglycerideSolvent/lubricant 3.15 Glycerin Humectant 10.0 Potassium sorbatePreservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14 Citric acid Preservative 0.5

TABLE 49 Ingredients Function % (w/w) Moxidectin Active 0.03 Milbemycinoxime Active 0.375 Soy protein fines Filler 21.2 (QS) Corn starch Filler25 beef flavor Flavoring 20 Povidone K-30 Binder 2.75 PEG 400 Solvent7.1 polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate Surfactant 3.1 PEG 4000Binder 6.35 Caprylic/capric triglyceride Solvent/lubricant 3.15 GlycerinHumectant 10.0 Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.3 BHT Antioxidant 0.14Citric acid Preservative 0.5

Example 2 Efficacy of Soft Chewable Compositions Comprising Compound AAgainst Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and Ticks (Dermacentor variabilis)on Dogs

Sixteen beagles were studied to determine the effectiveness of a softchewable veterinary composition comprising Compound A against inducedinfestations of Dermacentor variabilis and Ctenocephalides felis.

Four Treatment Groups containing four dogs each were formed. Dogs inGroup 1 were untreated. Dogs in Groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with thesoft chewable composition described in Table 6 of nominal sizes of 0.5 gand 1 g containing Compound A at concentrations of 7.35 mg/chew and 14.7mg/chew, respectively, to deliver doses of approximately 1.5 mg/kg, 2.5mg/kg or 3.5 mg/kg. All dogs were treated once on Day 0.

All dogs were infested with approximately 100 C. felis on Days −1, 8,15, 22, 29, 35, 43, 57 and 71. All dogs were also infested withapproximately 50 D. variabilis on Days −1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 34 and 42.Both ticks and fleas were counted upon removal on Days 2, 9, 16, 23, 30,36 and 44. Fleas were counted upon removal for all Treatment Groups onDays 58 and 72. Flea efficacy is listed in Table 50 and tick efficacy islisted in Table 51 below.

Percent reduction (also referred as efficacy) against fleas was 100%through and including Day 30 for all treatment groups (see Table 50).Percent reduction against fleas was above 95% through Day 44 for allgroups and above 95% through Day 58 for Groups 3 and 4.

The percent reduction against ticks was >90% through and including Day30 (see Table 51) for all treatment groups and remained above 90%through Day 36 for Groups 3 and 4.

These study data demonstrate that soft chewable compositions comprisingan isoxazoline compound (Cmpd. A) at three different doses providesexcellent efficacy against fleas and ticks in dogs.

TABLE 50 Flea Efficacy % Reduction Fleas Treatment Day Day Day Day DayDay Study Group¹ Day 2 Day 9 Day 16 23 30 36 44 58 72 Group 2 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 99.2 97.8 89.4 79.6 % Reduction Group 3 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 99.3 96.7 94.4 % Reduction Group 4 100.0100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 99.6 98.3 95.2 80.6 % Reduction

TABLE 51 Tick Efficacy % Reduction Ticks Day Day Day Day Day TreatmentGroup¹ Day 2 Day 9 16 23 30 36 44 Group 2 100.0 99.2 100.0 92.1 99.582.4 68.3 % Reduction Group 3 100.0 100.0 99.1 97.2 94.3 96.9 88.1 %Reduction Group 4 100.0 100.0 99.5 100.0 98.1 91.9 84.7 % Reduction

Example 3 Efficacy and Speed of Kill Efficacy of Soft ChewableCompositions Comprising Compound A Against Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis)on Dogs

Following a procedure very similar to that described in Example 2 above,beagles were studied to determine the effectiveness and speed of killagainst induced infestations of Ctenocephalides felis.

Three Treatment Groups were formed. Dogs in Group 1 were untreated. Dogsin Groups 2 and 3 were treated with the soft chewable compositionscontaining Compound A described in Tables 7 and 8, respectively, atconcentrations to deliver a dose of approximately 2.5 mg/kg. Groups 1and 2 contained 12 dogs each and Group 3 contained 4 dogs. All dogs weretreated once on Day 0.

All dogs were infested with approximately 75 C. felis on Days 0 and 7.The dogs in Group 3 and dogs in pre-allocated subgroups in Groups 1 and2 were also infested with approximately 75 C. felis on Days 14, 21 and28. Fleas were counted upon removal from selected subjects at 30minutes, 4 hours, and 12 hours after treatment or infestation on Days 0and 7. On Days 14, 21 and 28, fleas were counted upon removal fromselected subjects at 8 and 12 hours after infestation. The data showsthat the compositions started working within 30 minutes after treatmenton Day 0 and that 12 hours after administration of the composition, fleaefficacy of 100% was observed. Following infestation at latertimepoints, the composition started working within 30 minutes, and by 12hours after infestation on Days 7, 14 and 21, efficacy of >98% wasachieved.

Example 4 Efficacy of Soft Chewable Compositions Comprising Compound AAgainst Amblyomma americanum Ticks on Dogs

Following a procedure very similar to that described in Example 2 abovewith the chewable formulation described in Table 10, sixteen beagleswere studied to determine the effectiveness of a soft chewableveterinary composition comprising Compound A against inducedinfestations of Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick).

Two treatment groups were formed, each containing eight dogs each. Dogsin Group 1 were untreated. Dogs in Group 2 were treated once on Day 0with soft chewable compositions containing Compound A at a concentrationto deliver a dose of at least approximately 2.5 mg/kg.

Dogs in both groups were infested with approximately 50 Amblyommaamericanum on Days −1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Ticks were counted on Days2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and 38. The percent efficacy of the treated groupversus the untreated control group 48 hours after infestation exceeded91% at Days 2, 9, 16 and 23, with percent efficacy values of 99.2, 98.7,99.4 and 91.7, respectively (p-values≦0.001). At Day 38 the percentefficacy was measured at 89.7%. The study demonstrates that the chewablecompositions of the invention provided excellent control of Amblyommaamericanum in excess of 30 days.

Example 5 Efficacy of Soft Chewable Compositions Comprising Compound AAgainst Ixodes holocyclus Ticks on Dogs

Following a procedure very similar to that described in Example 2 andExample 3 above with the chewable formulations described in Tables 10and 13, twenty four foxhounds were studied to determine theeffectiveness of two soft chewable veterinary compositions comprisingCompound A alone and Compound A in combination with milbemycin oxime(Tables 10 and 13, respectively), against induced infestations of Ixodesholocyclus. Three treatment groups consisting of eight dogs each wereformed. Group 1 was an untreated control. The dogs in Group 2 weretreated on Day 0 with a soft chewable composition comprising Compound Aalone to deliver a dose of at least 2.5 mg/kg body weight and dogs inGroup 3 were treated on Day 0 with a soft chewable compositioncomprising a combination of Compound A and milbemycin oxime to deliverdoses of at least 2.5 mg/kg of body weight of Compound A and at least0.5 mg/kg of body weight of milbemycin oxime.

Dogs in the three groups were infested with approximately 50 Ixodesholocyclus on Days −1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Ticks were counted on at 24hours, 48 hours and 72 hours post infestation on Days 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10,15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, 36, 37 and 38.

Treatment Group 2 (Compound A alone) exhibited a percent efficacy of atleast 99.2% at 72 hours post infestation at all time points measured. At48 hours post infestation, dogs in Group 2 had percent efficacies of atleast 98.7% at all time points measured. At 24 hours post infestation,dogs in Group 2 had efficacies of at least 95.8% on Days 1, 8, 15 and22.

Treatment Group 3 (Compound A and milbemycin oxime) exhibited anefficacy of at least 98.6% 72 hours post infestation at all time points.At 48 hours post infestation, dogs in Group 3 demonstrated an efficacyof at least 99.1% for all time points. At 24 hours post infestation,dogs in Group 3 had efficacies of at least 96.1% for all time points.This example demonstrates the exceptional efficacy of the soft chewablecompositions of the invention against ticks for duration of at least 38days post treatment. The extent and duration of efficacy from one oraldose is exceptional and surprising.

Example 6 Long Lasting Efficacy of Soft Chewable Composition ContainingCompound A Against Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis onDogs

The efficacy of a soft chewable composition of the invention comprisinga higher concentration of the active agent against two tick species wasevaluated using a procedure similar to that described in Examples 2 and3 above with the chewable formulations described in Tables 30, 31 and32. Forty two beagles were allotted to seven groups of six dogs each.Groups 1 and 2 served as untreated controls. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were eachtreated on Day 0 with three different compositions of the inventiondescribed in Tables 30, 31 and 32, respectively, containing Compound Ain an amount to deliver a dose of about 20 mg/kg of body weight.Similarly, on Day 0, Groups 6 and 7 were each treated with thecompositions described in Tables 30 and 32, respectively, containingCompound A to deliver a dose of about 20 mg/kg of body weight.

Dogs in Groups 1, 3, 4 and 5 were infested with approximately 50 A.americanum and dogs in Groups 2, 6 and 7 were infested withapproximately 50 D. variabilis on Days −1, 42, 56, 70, 77, 84, 91 and98. Dogs in Groups 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 were also infested on Day 105. Tickswere counted upon removal at approximately 48 hours post treatment onDay 2 and 48 hours post infestation on Days 44, 58, 72, 79, 86, 93, 100and 107. Tables 52 and 53 below show the exceptional long-lastingefficacy of the inventive compositions against A. americanum and D.variabilis. The efficacy exhibited against these two tick species isremarkable considering that the dogs were treated only once on Day 0.

TABLE 52 Efficacy Against A. americanum % Reduction Ticks Day Day DayDay Day Day Day Treatment Group¹ Day 2 Day 44 58 72 79 86 93 100 107Group 3 100.0 98.4 98.8 99.5 94.4 98.9 99.5 95.6 93.4 % Reduction Group4 100.0 99.4 99.4 97.7 88.6 97.5 97.7 90.9 % Reduction Group 5 100.0100.0 99.5 100.0 98.8 97.8 98.2 87.8 % Reduction

TABLE 53 Efficacy Against D. variabilis % Reduction Ticks Day Day DayDay Day Day Day Treatment Group¹ Day 2 Day 44 58 72 79 86 93 100 107Group 6 100.0 100.0 99.5 100.0 98.8 100.0 98.9 99.4 99.4 % ReductionGroup 7 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 97.9 100.0 100.0 % Reduction

Examples 7-12

Following similar procedures to those described in Examples 2 and 3, theoral compositions of the invention were found to be highly effectiveagainst Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Dermacentorvariabilis, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes scapularis and Haemaphysalislongicornis on dogs. For example, at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, a chewablecomposition according to Table 10 was found to be have an efficacy ofgreater than 95% through Day 37 against D. sanguineus; an efficacy ofgreater than 95% through Day 30 against D. reticulatus and D.variabilis; and an efficacy of 100% against I. ricinus (99.6% at Day 30and 100.0% again at Day 37); greater than 98% through Day 23 and greaterthan 94% through Day 30 against I. scapularis; and greater than 95%through Day 23 and greater than 90% through Day 30 against H.longicornis.

Example 13 Efficacy of Soft Chewable Compositions Comprising Compound Ain Combination with a Macrocyclic Lactone Against Toxocara canis(Roundworm) in Dogs

Three Treatment Groups of nine Beagle dogs infected with T. canis wereformed. Dogs in Group 1 were not treated. On Day 0 of the study, dogs inGroup 2 were treated with the soft chewable composition described inTable 11 containing 7.5 mg milbemycin oxime, a macrocyclic lactoneactive agent, per 2 gram soft chew to deliver a dose of approximately0.5 mg/kg of the active agent per body weight of animal. The On Day 0,the dogs in Group 3 were treated with the soft chewable compositiondescribed in Table 12 containing 7.5 mg milbemycin oxime and 37.5 mgCompound A per 2 gram chew to deliver doses of 0.5 mg/kg milbemycinoxime and 2.5 mg/kg Compound A. After 8 days, the dogs were evaluatedfor the presence of T. canis infections.

The dogs in the control group (Group 1) were found to contain from 6 to32 adult T. canis worms (geometric mean 13.5). No worms were found inany dog in Group 2 and one worm was found in one dog of Group 3. Thestudy shows that soft chewable compositions containing milbemycin oximealone or in combination with an isoxazoline active agent (Compound A)were highly efficacious against T. canis infections in dogs.

Example 14 Efficacy of Soft Chewable Compositions Comprising Compound Ain Combination with a Macrocyclic Lactone Against Trichuris vulpis(Whipworm) in Dogs

Three Treatment Groups of eight dogs naturally infected with T. vulpiswere formed. Dogs in Group 1 were not treated. On Day 0 of the study,dogs in Groups 2 and 3 were treated with the soft chewable compositionsdescribed in Example 13 containing milbemycin oxime alone (Group 2) or acombination of milbemycin oxime with Compound A (Group 3) to deliverdoses of 0.5 mg/kg milbemycin oxime and 2.5 mg/kg Compound A.

After 7 days, the dogs were evaluated for the presence of T. vulpisinfections. Seven of the dogs in Group 1 were found to contain at leastnine T. vulpis. Parasite counts indicated that the compositioncontaining milbemycin oxime alone had an efficacy of >94% against T.vulpis while the soft chew composition containing a combination ofmilbemycin oxime and Compound A exhibited an efficacy of >98% against T.vulpis. The study shows that soft chewable compositions containingmilbemycin oxime alone or in combination with an isoxazoline activeagent (Compound A) are highly effective against T. vulpis.

Example 15 Efficacy of Soft Chewable Compositions Comprising Compound Ain Combination with a Macrocyclic Lactone Against Ancylostoma caninum(Hookworms) in Dogs

Three Treatment Groups of nine dogs naturally infected with A. caninumwere formed. Dogs in Group 1 were not treated. On Day 0 of the study,dogs in Groups 2 and 3 were treated with the soft chewable compositionsdescribed in Example 13 containing milbemycin oxime alone (Group 2) or acombination of milbemycin oxime and Compound A (Group 3) to deliverdoses of 0.5 mg/kg milbemycin oxime and 2.5 mg/kg Compound A.

After 7 days, the dogs were evaluated for the presence of A. caninuminfections. Examination of fecal samples prior to administration of thesoft chew compositions confirmed that the dogs in the study shed ≧50hookworm eggs per gram of fecal matter. Parasite counts indicated thatthe composition containing either milbemycin oxime alone or acombination of milbemycin oxime and Compound A had efficacies of >95%against A. caninum. The study shows that soft chewable compositionscontaining milbemycin oxime alone or in combination with an isoxazolineactive agent (Compound A) are highly effective against A. caninum.

Example 16 Efficacy of Soft Chewable Compositions Comprising Compound Ain Combination with a Macrocyclic Lactone Against Dirofilaria immitis(Heartworm) in Dogs

Three Treatment Groups of eight dogs infected with D. immitis wereformed. Dogs in Group 1 were not treated. On Day 0 of the study, dogs inGroup 2 were treated with the soft chewable composition described inTable 33 containing 7.5 mg milbemycin oxime, a macrocyclic lactoneactive agent, per 2 gram soft chew to deliver a dose of approximately0.5 mg/kg of the active agent per body weight of animal. The dogs inGroup 3 were treated with the soft chewable composition described inTable 34 containing 7.5 mg milbemycin oxime and 37.5 mg Compound A per 2gram chew to deliver doses of 0.5 mg/kg milbemycin oxime and 2.5 mg/kgCompound A on Day 0 of the study.

After 119 days, the dogs were evaluated for the presence of D. immitisinfections. Dogs in the control group exhibited 0 to 15 adult D. immitisworms (geometric mean of 2.4). Adult worms were recovered from 5 of the8 control animals. No worms were recovered from any of the treated dogsin Groups 2 and 3. Therefore, the study demonstrates that soft chewablecompositions containing milbemycin oxime alone or in combination with anisoxazoline active agent (Compound A) are highly effective against D.immitis (heartworm) in dogs.

Example 17 Efficacy of Soft Chewable Compositions Comprising aCombination of Moxidectin and Milbemycin Oxime Against Dirofilariaimmitis (Heartworm) in Dogs

Following a procedure similar to that of Example 16, the effectivenessof the soft chewable compositions comprising moxidectin and milbemycinoxime were evaluated against D. immitis in dogs. Dogs in the treatmentgroup were treated with the soft chewable compositions containingmoxidectin or milbemycin oxime described in Tables 35 and 36 to providedoses of 40 micrograms/kg moxidectin and 500 micrograms/kg milbemycinoxime. At the conclusion of the study, the soft chewable compositionswere found have a high level of efficacy versus an untreated controlgroup.

Example 18 Efficacy of Soft Chewable Compositions Comprising aCombination of Ivermectin and Milbemycin Oxime Against Dirofilariaimmitis (Heartworm) in Dogs

Following a procedure similar to that of Example 16, the effectivenessof the soft chewable compositions comprising ivermectin and milbemycinoxime were evaluated against D. immitis in dogs. Dogs in the treatmentgroup were treated with the soft chewable compositions containingivermectin or milbemycin oxime described in Tables 37 and 39 to providedoses of 20 micrograms/kg ivermectin and 500 micrograms/kg milbemycinoxime. At the conclusion of the study, the soft chewable compositionswere found have a high level of efficacy versus an untreated controlgroup.

As the non-limiting examples above demonstrate, the soft chewableveterinary compositions of the invention comprising at least oneisoxazoline active agent show superior long lasting efficacy againstectoparasites in a mammal (e.g. dog and cat), and compositionscomprising at least one isoxazoline active agent in combination with amacrocyclic lactone active agent are highly efficacious againstendoparasites in mammals.

The invention is further described in the following numbered paragraphs:

1. A soft chewable veterinary composition for treating and/or preventinga parasitic infection or infestation in an animal comprising:

a)

-   -   (i) at least one isoxazoline active agent of Formula (I):

wherein:

A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of CR³ and N, provided that at most 3 of A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵and A⁶ are N;

B¹, B² and B³ are independently selected from the group consisting ofCR² and N;

W is O or S;

R¹ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₄-C₇alkylcycloalkyl or C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, each optionally substitutedwith one or more substituents independently selected from R⁶;

each R² is independently H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, C₁-C₆ haloalkylthio, C₁-C₆alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆ alkylamino, C₂-C₆ dialkylamino, C₂-C₄alkoxycarbonyl, —CN or —NO₂;

each R³ is independently H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylthio, C₁-C₆ haloalkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₂-C₆ dialkylamino, —CN or —NO₂;

R⁴ is H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, C₂-C₇ alkylcarbonyl orC₂-C₇ alkoxycarbonyl;

R⁵ is H, OR¹, NR¹¹R¹² or Q¹; or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆alkynyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl or C₄-C₇cycloalkylalkyl, each optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents independently selected from R⁷; or

R⁴ and R⁵ are taken together with the nitrogen to which they areattached to form a ring containing 2 to 6 atoms of carbon and optionallyone additional atom selected from the group consisting of N, S and O,said ring optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of C₁-C₂ alkyl, halogen, —CN, —NO₂and C₁-C₂ alkoxy;

each R⁶ is independently halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, —CN or —NO₂;

each R⁷ is independently halogen; C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₂-C₈ dialkylamino, C₃-C₆ cycloalkylamino, C₂-C₇alkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₇ alkoxycarbonyl, C₂-C₇ alkylaminocarbonyl, C₃-C₉dialkylaminocarbonyl, C₂-C₇ haloalkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₇ haloalkoxycarbonyl,C₂-C₇ haloalkylaminocarbonyl, C₃-C₉ dihaloalkylaminocarbonyl, hydroxy,—NH₂, —CN or —NO₂; or Q²;

each R⁸ is independently halogen, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylthio, C₁-C₆ haloalkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₂-C₆ dialkylamino, C₂-C₄ alkoxycarbonyl, —CN or —NO₂;

each R⁹ is independently halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ halocycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylthio, C₁-C₆ haloalkylthio, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₂-C₆ dialkylamino, —CN, —NO₂, phenyl or pyridinyl;

R¹⁰ is H; or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl or C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, eachoptionally substituted with one of more halogen;

R¹ is H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl,C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, C₂-C₇ alkylcarbonyl orC₂-C₇ alkoxycarbonyl;

R¹² is H; Q³; or C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl, C₄-C₇ alkylcycloalkyl or C₄-C₇ cycloalkylalkyl, eachoptionally substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from R⁷; or

R¹¹ and R¹² are taken together with the nitrogen to which they areattached to form a ring containing 2 to 6 atoms of carbon and optionallyone additional atom selected from the group consisting of N, S and O,said ring optionally substituted with 1 to 4 substituents independentlyselected from the group consisting of C₁-C₂ alkyl, halogen, —CN, —NO₂and C₁-C₂ alkoxy;

Q¹ is a phenyl ring, a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, or an 8-, 9-or 10-membered fused bicyclic ring system optionally containing one tothree heteroatoms selected from up to 1 O, up to 1 S and up to 3 N, eachring or ring system optionally substituted with one or more substituentsindependently selected from R⁸;

-   -   each Q² is independently a phenyl ring or a 5- or 6-membered        heterocyclic ring, each ring optionally substituted with one or        more substituents independently selected from R⁹;

Q³ is a phenyl ring or a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, each ringoptionally substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from R⁹; and

n is 0, 1 or 2; or

-   -   (ii) at least one systemically-acting active agent that is        active against internal parasites, wherein the        systemically-acting active agent is one or more macrocyclic        lactones, one or more benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel,        morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino        acetonitrile active agents, one or more insect growth regulators        or one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents, or        a combination of thereof; or    -   (iii) a combination of at least one isoxazoline active agent of        formula (I) and at least one systemically-acting active agent,        wherein the systemically active agent is one or more macrocyclic        lactones, one or more spinosyn compounds, one or more spinosoid        compounds, one or more benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel,        morantel, praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino        acetonitrile active agents, one or more insect growth        regulators, one or more neonicotinoids or one or more        aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination        of thereof; and

b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

2. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 1, wherein:

-   -   W is O;    -   R⁴ is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;    -   R⁵ is —CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃;    -   each of A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ is CH;    -   R¹ is C₁-C₆ alkyl each optionally substituted with one or more        substituents independently selected from R⁶;    -   R⁶ is halogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl; and    -   B¹, B², and B³ are independently CH, C-halogen, C—C₁-C₆ alkyl,        C—C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, or C—C₁-C₆ alkoxy.        3. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 1,        wherein:    -   W is O;    -   R¹ is CF₃;    -   B² is CH;    -   B¹ is C—Cl;    -   B³ is C—CF₃;    -   each of A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵ and A⁶ is CH;    -   R⁴ is H; and    -   R⁵ is —CH₂C(O)NHCH₂CF₃.        4. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 1,        wherein the carrier comprises one or more fillers, at least one        flavoring agent, at least one binder, one or more solvents, one        or more surfactants, at least one humectant, optionally an        antioxidant, and optionally a preservative.        5. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 4,        wherein the one or more fillers is soy protein fines, corn        starch, or a mixture thereof.        6. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 4,        wherein the binder is polyvinylpyrrolidone or a polyethylene        glycol, or a combination thereof.        7. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 4,        wherein the solvent is a liquid polyethylene glycol or a        caprylic/capric triglyceride, or a combination thereof.        8. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 4,        wherein the surfactant is polyethylene glycol hydroxystearate.        9. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 4,        wherein the humectant is glycerin.        10. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 4,        wherein the flavoring agent is an artificial meat or beef        flavor.        11. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 4,        wherein the composition comprises:

a) a filler selected from corn starch, pre-gelatinized corn starch, corngluten meal and soy protein fines, or a combination thereof;

b) a solvent selected from liquid polyethylene glycols, propyleneglycol, propylene carbonate, caprylic/capric triglycerides,caprylic/capric/linoleic triglycerides, caprylic/capric/succinictriglycerides, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, glycerolcaprylate/caprate and polyglycolized glycerides, or a combinationthereof,

c) a binder selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycols,co-polymers of vinyl acetate and vinylpyrrolidone, potato starch andcorn starch, or a combination thereof;

d) a humectant selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol,glycerin monostearate and polyethylene glycols, or a combinationthereof;

e) a surfactant selected from glyceryl monooleate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan fatty acid esters, sorbitan esters, polyvinyl alcohol,polysorbates, sodium lauryl sulfate, co-polymers of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide, propylene glycol monolaurate, glycerolcaprylate/caprate, polyglycolized glycerides and polyethylene glycolhydroxystearate, or a combination thereof; and

f) a natural or artificial beef or meat flavor.

12. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 11, whereinthe composition comprises a compound of formula (I) at a concentrationof about 1% to about 20% by weight.13. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 12, wherein:

a) the filler is a combination of corn starch and soy protein fines andis present at a concentration of about 30% to about 50% (w/w);

b) the solvent is a mixture of liquid polyethylene glycol andcaprylic/capric triglycerides and is present at a concentration of about5% to about 20% (w/w);

c) the binder is polyethylene glycol or polyvinylpyrrolidone, or acombination thereof, and is present at a concentration of about 5% toabout 15% (w/w);

d) the humectant is glycerin and is present at a concentration of about5% to about 20%;

e) the surfactant is polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxystearate or polyoxylhydrogenated castor oil and is present at a concentration of about 1% toabout 5% (w/w).

14. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 12, whereinthe compound of Formula (I) is present at a concentration of about 1% toabout 5% by weight.15. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 12, whereinthe compound of Formula (I) is present at a concentration of about 10%to about 20% by weight.16. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 1, wherein thecomposition comprises a systemically-acting active agent that is activeagainst selected from the group consisting of one or more macrocycliclactones, one or more spinosyn compounds, one or more spinosoidcompounds, one or more benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agents, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoids and one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino activeagents, or a combination of thereof.17. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 1, wherein thecomposition comprises a combination of at least one isoxazoline activeagent of formula (I) and at least one systemically-acting active agentselected from the group consisting of one or more macrocyclic lactones,one or more spinosyn compounds, one or more spinosoid compounds, one ormore benzimidazoles, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel, praziquantel,closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrile active agents, oneor more insect growth regulators, one or more neonicotinoids and one ormore aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino active agents, or a combination ofthereof.18. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 17, whereinthe macrocyclic lactone is eprinomectin, ivermectin, selamectin,milbemectin, milbemycin D, milbemycin oxime, or moxidectin, or acombination thereof.19. The soft chewable veterinary composition of paragraph 17, whereinthe isoxazoline active agent is4-[5-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4,5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-N-[2-oxo-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)amino]ethyl]-1-naphthalenecarboxamideand the systemically-acting active agent is an avermectin, milbemycinoxime or moxidectin, or a combination thereof.20. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of a parasiticinfestation and/or infection in an animal comprising administering tothe animal an effective amount of the soft chewable veterinarycomposition of claim 1 to the animal.21. The method of paragraph 20, wherein the composition comprises anisoxazoline active agent, and wherein the isoxazoline active agent is4-[5-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4,5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-N-[2-oxo-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)amino]ethyl]-1-naphthalenecarboxamide.22. The method of paragraph 20, wherein the soft chewable compositioncomprises a systemically-acting active agent selected from the groupconsisting of one or more avermectin or milbemycin compounds, one ormore benzimidazole active agents, one or more a spinosyn compounds, oneor more a spinosoid compounds, levamisole, pyrantel, morantel,praziquantel, closantel, clorsulon, one or more amino acetonitrileactive agents, one or more insect growth regulators, one or moreneonicotinoids and one or more aryloazol-2-yl cyanoethylamino activeagents, or a combination thereof.23. The method of paragraph 20, wherein the parasite are fleas or ticks.24. The method of paragraph 21, wherein the parasite is a nematode, acestode, a trematode or a filarial parasite.25. Use of a compound of Formula (I) in paragraph 1 in the manufactureof a soft chewable veterinary composition for the treatment and/orprevention of a parasitic infestation and/or infection in an animal.

Having thus described in detail various embodiments of the presentinvention, it is to be understood that the invention defined by theabove paragraphs is not to be limited to particular details set forth inthe above description as many apparent variations thereof are possiblewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A method for treating and/or preventing a flea ortick infestation in an animal comprising administering to the animal aneffective amount of a soft chewable veterinary composition comprising:a) an isoxazoline active agent of Formula (II):

pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and b) a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier, wherein the carrier comprises a binder and ahumectant, wherein the binder is PEG 3350 and the humectant is glycerol.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the humectant further comprises soybean oil.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the carrier furthercomprises a lubricant which is magnesium stearate.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the carrier further comprises a surfactant which issodium lauryl sulfate.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the carrierfurther comprises a filler which is corn starch or pre-gelatinized cornstarch or a combination thereof.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein thecarrier further comprises a flavoring agent which is liver extract,pork, or artificial pork.
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein thecomposition comprises the compound of formula (II) at a concentration ofabout 1% to about 20% by weight.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein theflavoring agent is present in a concentration of about 10% to about 30%(w/w).
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein the filler is present in aconcentration of about 10% to about 40% (w/w).
 25. The method of claim19, wherein the surfactant is present in a concentration of about 1 toabout 5% (w/w).
 26. The method of claim 18, wherein the lubricant ispresent in a concentration of about 0.01 to about 20% (w/w).
 27. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the humectant is present in a concentrationof about 1% to about 10% (w/w).
 28. The method of claim 16, wherein thebinder is present at a concentration of about 1% to about 20% (w/w). 29.The method of claim 16, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt isa dicarboxylic acid or an aromatic salt.
 30. A method for treatingand/or preventing a flea or tick infestation in an animal comprisingadministering to the animal an effective amount of a soft chewableveterinary composition comprising: a) an isoxazoline active agent ofFormula (II):

pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and b) a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier, wherein the carrier comprises: i) a filler selectedfrom corn starch or pre-gelatinized corn starch or a combinationthereof; ii) a flavoring agent which is natural or artificial meatflavor; iii) a binder which is polyethylene glycol; iv) a solvent whichis triglyceride; v) a surfactant which is sodium lauryl sulfate; vi) ahumectant which is glycerol; vii) optionally an antioxidant; and viii)optionally a preservative.